NBI arrests ‘sham priest’ in online donation scam

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation–Naga District Office (NBI-NADO) have arrested a man accused of posing as a Catholic parish priest to solicit donations online in what authorities described as a fraudulent scheme targeting unsuspecting victims.

The arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by a member of the clergy whose name and photograph were allegedly used by the suspect to impersonate him and ask acquaintances for financial assistance through social media and mobile payment platforms.

Acting on the report, NBI operatives conducted a case build-up and staged an entrapment operation.

The suspect was apprehended immediately after he attempted to claim money sent through a mobile wallet account linked to the scheme.

Authorities said agents recovered the marked money and seized a mobile phone believed to have been used to carry out the fraud.

The suspect now faces charges for identity theft under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and estafa under the Revised Penal Code.

“We will not allow criminals to exploit the trust and goodwill of the public through fake online identities,” said NBI Acting Director Atty. Angelito DLP. Magno.

“The NBI remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing cyber fraudsters and protecting our communities.”

The bureau urged the public to remain vigilant, verify the authenticity of online appeals for donations or financial help, and immediately report suspicious accounts or activities to authorities.

The NBI said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect had additional victims or accomplices.