NBI nabs scammer, rape suspect in Manila mall

A fugitive scammer and suspected rapist was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in an entrapment operation at a shopping mall in Manila, putting an end to his alleged fraudulent activities and bringing him to justice for a separate grave offense.

Retired Judge Jaime Santiago, NBI director, identified the suspect as Erick Pascual Balsomo, who had been masquerading as a Land Transportation Office (LTO) employee to swindle money from individuals seeking driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations.

Agents of the NBI arrested the suspect on 28 July 2025, inside SM Mall in Malate, Manila, the NBI reported on Monday.

The operation followed weeks of surveillance and a complaint from a victim who fell prey to his schemes.

It was uncovered that Balsomo was not only a con artist but also a wanted fugitive with an outstanding arrest warrant for statutory rape, issued by the Regional Trial Court of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. The charge carries no option for bail, meaning he could spend years behind bars even during tial.

Agents, during his arrest, discovered he was armed with a hidden bladed weapon, prompting additional charges and raising concerns about his potential for violence.

Balsomo was slapped by the NBI with multiple charges, including usurpation of authority for impersonating a government official, estafa (fraud) for deceiving victims, and illegal use of a fictitious name. He also faces violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act for online deception and a separate charge for carrying a concealed deadly weapon.

The NBI suspects Balsomo may have other victims and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported to the Criminal Intelligence Division of the NBI.