NBI arrests Draco Builders owners over P200M estafa case

The owners of Draco Builders were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at NAIA Terminal 3 on 6 August for alleged large-scale estafa.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspects as Nicole Martinez Syjuco and her husband, who are the subjects of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 20 in Davao Occidental on 22 July 2024.

The couple is accused of misappropriating funds and failing to complete three major construction projects in Mindanao despite receiving over 95 percent of the agreed payments totaling P200 million. They also allegedly refused to refund an advance payment for a project that was never started. The charges fall under Article 315 (1)(b) of the Revised Penal Code, which covers contractual deceit and misappropriation.

The operation was conducted by a joint team from the NBI’s Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD), Southeastern Mindanao Region (SEMRO), Technical Intelligence Division (TID), International Airport Investigation Division (IAID), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) praised the team, stating, “No one is above the law,” and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to accountability.

The Syjucos were arrested upon their arrival from Hong Kong. Authorities have urged the public to report similar cases to the NBI-OTCD.