Authorities arrested a Chinese national in Makati City on Thursday, November 27, after reports surfaced linking him to a group allegedly smuggling high-end vehicles such as Rolls-Royce and Ferrari into the Philippines.

According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), its operatives, together with members of the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), intercepted the man while he was driving a Mercedes-Benz S500. The action followed information relayed to Senator Erwin Tulfo by the suspect’s former Filipino employees, who claimed he had been involved in smuggling operations.

LTO personnel said the vehicle he was using did not match the details listed in its registration papers. Authorities also recovered an unlicensed firearm from the suspect. He was allegedly carrying a fake driver’s license, which LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said may have been used to obscure his identity.

“This appears to be an organized group,” Lacanilao said noting that several vehicles in the operation reportedly used duplicated license plates to avoid detection.

The suspect was identified as Cheng Cao. The LTO has coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration to verify his identity and immigration status.

Lacanilao said some of the individuals tied to the alleged operation were previously associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

The suspect is currently detained at Camp Crame under the custody of the PNP-HPG, while the Mercedes-Benz has been impounded. Investigators are also looking into other alleged members of the syndicate, who are believed to be foreign nationals.