Chinese national arrested for P1.1-M currency exchange scam in Pasay
The arrested suspect (Photo from Pasay City Police)
Police arrested a Chinese national allegedly involved in a currency exchange scam that defrauded a Vietnamese national of P1.1 million in Pasay City on March 14.
Col. Joselito De Sesto, Pasay City Police chief, identified the suspect as Li, 42, a resident of Park Avenue Mansions on F. Sanchez Street in Barangay 81.
Li was arrested on Macapagal Boulevard near Hobbies of Asisa.
De Sesto said Li’s companion, identified only as Ana, and another Chinese national remain at large and are currently being pursued by authorities.
According to the police chief, the victim, identified as Ho, 39, met the suspects at Mobile Computer Quick Repair in the area upon the instruction of his brother in Vietnam. Ho brought P1.1 million for currency exchange transaction.
Police said the victim claimed his brother had previously transacted with Ana for a similar deal.
At the meeting place, Ana and Li allegedly counted the money and, after finishing, placed it inside a plastic bag, which was handed to an unidentified Chinese man who immediately left the area.
Ana reportedly followed the man and told the victim that the Vietnamese currency would be sent to him shortly, leaving Li behind.
Realizing that he had been scammed, the victim immediately sought help from security guards, who then called the police.
Li was arrested shortly after and is now detained at the police custodial facility. He will face charges of estafa (swindling).