Southern Police District operatives arrested two people Thursday afternoon in Barangay Tambo for allegedly selling counterfeit luxury bags totaling over P1.6 million.

The suspects, identified as alias “Glenn” and alias “Imel,” were apprehended in an entrapment operation conducted by the Parañaque City Police Station and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Army Intelligence Regiment.

The investigation began after a 29-year-old call center agent reported that the suspects sold her a “Birkin Hermes” bag for P700,000 on 7 February. The victim later discovered the bag was counterfeit through professional authentication.

According to police, the suspects contacted the victim again on 26 February to offer a “Kelly 25 Hermes” bag for P950,000. The victim then coordinated with authorities to set up the sting operation.

During the arrest, police recovered several high-end items, including two Kelly 25 Hermes bags, a Chanel item, and a Coach bag. Officers also seized a magnifying loupe glass and four mobile phones.

Authorities recovered P2,000 in marked bills used in the operation, along with 98 pieces of P1,000 boodle money — fake currency used to simulate a large cash transaction.

The suspects, both residents of Barangay San Isidro, face formal charges of estafa, or swindling. The case has been referred to the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.