Operatives from the Pasay City Police arrested a man who posed as an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) while driving a brand new SUV he allegedly bought with money extorted from a foreign national seeking the release of his arrested friends.

Police identified the suspect as Crisanto Valdez, who was apprehended at the intersection of Juan Luna Street and Hermosa Street in Tondo, Manila.

The suspect also yielded P1 million in cash, part of the P10 million allegedly paid to him for the release of 20 Chinese nationals arrested by NBI agents at a bar in Parañaque City last week.

He was nabbed by the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) and the Pasay City police station trackers team at 9:15 p.m. on 23 February 2025, in Tondo, Manila, a day after buying the SUV.

According to a report from the Southern Police District, the suspect and the Chinese businessman met with the assistance of a female administrative personnel and an intelligence agent from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The Chinese trader approached the female BI personnel, who in turn sought the assistance of her companion, a BI intelligence agent.

The BI intelligence agent then enlisted Valdez, who allegedly promised to do the job after receiving the money in a restaurant on 20 February.

Investigators invited the two BI personnel to shed light on the incident after the Chinese businessman lodged a complaint. They then assisted the police in arresting Valdez.

The police report showed the suspect purchased the vehicle on 22 February 2025, shortly after receiving the money from the complainant. When interrogated, he admitted using the money for the purchase.

Charges of swindling or estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code and usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code will be filed against the suspect, while the two BI personnel will be witnesses in the case.