The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested three Filipinos and nine Indian nationals in an entrapment operation for alleged carnapping and syndicated estafa.

NBI director Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) identified the arrested Filipinos as Teotima G. Batutay, Rose L. Torion and Michael D. Castulo. The six identified Indian nationals are Sajjan Sarkar, Sai Charan, Kulvanatnh Thati, Gayatri Sarma, Ray Anand and Nithin Kamepalli.

Santiago said the operation stemmed from a complaint seeking the recovery of a vehicle that was allegedly sold by the suspects without the owner’s consent.

The complainant disclosed they had offered the vehicle for an “assume balance” arrangement after falling behind on monthly amortization payments to the complainant’s bank.

The NBI said the vehicle was initially assumed by MCars, then passed to Batutay, who allegedly sold it to Castulo. Castulo, along with Sarkar, then reportedly mortgaged the vehicle to Anand for P120,000.

When the bank pursued the complainant for overdue amortizations, the complainant was unable to return the vehicle. The complainant later spoke with Castulo for the vehicle’s return, but Castulo allegedly demanded P450,000, threatening to part out the car if the payment was not made.

This prompted the complainant to file a complaint with the NBI-National Capital Region (NCR).

An entrapment operation was set for 24 June 2025, at a casino hotel in Parañaque City, where Castulo had demanded the P450,000. During the meeting, the demand was reduced to P250,000.

NBI-NCR agents then apprehended the suspects, who are believed to be members of a syndicate involved in an “assume balance-talon” scheme. The operation also led to the recovery of the complainant’s vehicle.

The arrested suspects were presented for inquest proceedings for violations related to carnapping and syndicated estafa.

Santiago commended the NBI-NCR agents for the successful operation and advised the public to be cautious in their financial transactions to avoid falling victim to such schemes.