6 charged for large-scale estafa in ‘investment scam’

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Six individuals have been charged with large-scale estafa following their arrest during an entrapment operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-Capiz) on the evening of August 10, 2024, at a hotel in this city.

Charges for violating Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, and Republic Act 1165, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, were filed on Monday, August 19, 2024.

The accused include couples Nerissa Nobleza and Rene Nobleza of Brgy. Punta Taytay, Bacolod City; Andy Halili Antivola and Dexter Parian of Brgy. Sum-ag, Bacolod City; Nancy Biare Ricaforte of Brgy. Tanque, Roxas City; and Andres Agrasada of Brgy. Dayao, Roxas City.

The case was brought before the Regional Trial Court in Roxas City.

The suspects were apprehended at approximately 7:30 p.m. at Veronica Hotel in Pueblo de Panay, Roxas City. They are currently in the custody of the NBI-Capiz.

The investigation revealed that the six suspects are allegedly connected to the “HYBRID FX/PRO 15 Days” investment scheme, led by Ryan Landoing, who is currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

According to Agent John Katipunan of NBI-Capiz, they received a letter from an individual named Jonel, informing them of the existence of the online “15 Days” investment scheme operating in Roxas City.

Upon investigation, the NBI confirmed the scheme’s existence.

The scheme, which promised to double the investors’ money within 15 days, had been operating for three days and had already victimized 35 individuals.

The suspects were arrested after receiving a “boodle” or fake cash amounting to P4 million, which included P10,000 in marked money.

A few years ago, similar investment schemes flooded the entire province of Capiz, with the orchestrators disappearing with their illicit gains.

“Wherefore, premises considered, finding prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction, it is hereby recommended that an information for violation of Article 325, paragraph 2(a) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Article 10951 in relation to Presidential Decree 1689, or syndicated estafa, be filed against the respondents in the Regional Trial Court,” stated the eight-page resolution dated August 12, 2024.

The resolution was reviewed by Assistant City Prosecutor Babette B. Bolido and approved by OIC-City Prosecutor Eduard Delfin.

It was learned that the information is now with Judge Kristine Diangco-Vinculado of RTC Branch 16, Roxas City.