2 arrested for alleged extortion in Cainta

Operatives of the Rizal Provincial Cyber Response Team and the Cainta Municipal Police Station arrested two suspects in an entrapment operation in connection with charges of grave coercion, robbery by extortion, and violation of Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, at around 4:35 p.m. Friday.

The operation was led by P/Cpt. Angelo Astrero, along with the Cainta Municipal Police Station under the leadership of P/Lt. Col. Alfredo DG Lim, and was under the direct supervision of P/Col. Irene Cena, chief of RACU 4A. The operation resulted in the arrest of the primary suspect, McKenzo Montoya, and his accomplice.

Based on the investigation, the operation stemmed from the complaint of the victim, identified by the alias Enrico, who received a threat from the suspect via WhatsApp.

According to the victim, she was allegedly threatened that her explicit photos and videos would be spread if she did not pay P35,000 in exchange for the supposed deletion of the materials.

Recovered from the suspects were an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a Tecno Slim cellphone, a Realme cellphone, a driver’s license and SSS ID in the suspect’s name, a Toyota Vios, and P1,000 in marked money.

The suspects were brought to the Cainta Municipal Police Station for temporary detention, documentation, and proper disposition while awaiting inquest proceedings.

The cyber response team’s investigation is ongoing to determine if the suspects have other victims.