The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a defeated congressional candidate for Cavite’s 7th District, Jualinio “Wally” Abutin, during an entrapment operation on charges of estafa, or swindling.

The suspect was apprehended by the NBI’s Cavite District Office North (NBI-CAVIDO North) along with a co-suspect identified as Huberi Liwanag, also known as “General.”

Abutin’s arrest followed an operation for violations of Article 315, paragraph 2(a) and (c) of the Revised Penal Code.

The case stems from an alleged scheme in December 2024 in which Abutin offered to sell 700,000 disposable vape juice cartridges to the complainants.

Reports stated the complainants paid a total of P45.5 million in reservation fees and processing money allegedly for the release of the products through the Bureau of Customs and other connections.

Authorities said Abutin even proposed a meeting with an alleged government official to assure the transaction.

However, the vape products were never released, and when the complainants demanded their money back, Abutin allegedly offered only excuses and false pretenses.

Abutin’s attempt to offer the complainants a new brand of vape products, purportedly from the co-accused “General,” prompted them to seek the NBI’s help, leading to the entrapment operation and subsequent arrests.

The NBI presented both Abutin and Liwanag for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Bacoor City, Cavite.