Vietnamese national nabbed for estafa, cybercrime in Pasay
The arrested suspect (Photo from Pasay city Police)
Police arrested a Vietnamese national for estafa and cybercrime following a complaint filed by a Chinese businessman who was allegedly duped in an online transaction in Pasay City.
Col. Joselito De Sesto, Pasay City Police chief, identified the suspect as Dau, 33, a resident of Mahogany Extension, Barangay 148, Pasay City. He was nabbed near the Barangay 148 Hall on Sgt. Mariano Street, Zone 16.
De Sesto said the victim, identified as Kun, a Chinese businessman, reported that the suspect transacted with him through the messaging platform Telegram for the purchase of a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 worth P28,300.
The victim told police that after reaching an agreement, he dispatched a rider identified as Jorge to deliver the cellular phone to Dau at Barangay 148 Hall.
Upon receiving the item, Dau reportedly inspected the phone but refused to pay, claiming that the item had already been settled online. He also allegedly threatened to report Jorge to the police for supposed scamming.
Investigation showed that while Jorge and the suspect were on their way to a police station, Dau suddenly fled, prompting the rider to seek assistance from barangay watchmen.
Barangay watchmen later arrested Dau after reviewing CCTV footage that identified him as the person who took the cellular phone and fled.
The suspect was brought to Pasay City Police Substation 5 and is currently detained at the custodial facility.
He is facing charges for violating Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (Estafa) in relation to Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.