The National Bureau of Investigation – Criminal Intelligence Division (NBI-CRID) arrested a fake lawyer in Tarlac City for syndicated estafa.

In a statement released on 24 October 2025, the NBI arrested Jenny Macanas Sapad, also known as “Shiela Castillo” and “Angel Roxas Y Sotero,” for falsification of public documents in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), and violations of Article 178 (Use of Fictitious Name and Concealing True Name) and Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority and Official Function) under the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

The operation stemmed from a complaint alleging that a certain “Sheila Naransa Castillo,” who represented herself as a lawyer, deceived the complainant into giving P5,000,000 in exchange for a favorable court resolution regarding a parcel of land. The complainant was an interested party and was guaranteed to be the awardee of the property.

To support her claims, Sapad presented the complainant with fake receipts and documents signed by a judge and a clerk of court of the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) of Tarlac and Camiling. This was done to give the impression that Sapad and her cohorts had legitimate transactions with various government agencies and courts.

Initial investigation revealed that Sapad’s name is not listed on the official websites of the Supreme Court Office of the Bar Confidant and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines as a lawyer.

After confirming the illegal activities of Sapad and her associates, an entrapment operation was planned. Although the initial meeting was set to take place in the Hall of Justice in Tarlac, Sapad instructed the complainant to meet her at a fast-food chain in Tarlac City instead.

NBI-CRID agents proceeded to the new location and conducted the entrapment operation, resulting in Sapad’s arrest. During the operation, an identification card bearing the name "Angel Roxas Y Sotero” was confiscated.

During the standard booking procedure, Sapad wrote the name “Jenny Macanas Sapad” on the booking sheet. She was later presented for inquest proceedings for the aforementioned violations. Her cohorts were also charged with syndicated estafa through falsification of public documents in relation to R.A. No. 10175.

NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) commended the agents of NBI-CRID for the successful operation that led to Sapad’s arrest.