Vietnamese nabbed over fraudulent phone deal

Authorities apprehended a 33-year-old Vietnamese national involved in an alleged online swindling incident in Pasay City on Sarurday afternoon.

Investigation showed that the suspect arranged the purchase of a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 worth P28,300 through Telegram and met the complainant’s rider near Barangay 148 Hall along Sgt. Mariano Street, Pasay City.

After checking the item, the suspect allegedly claimed that payment had already been made online, refused to return the phone, and fled with the cellular phone still in his possession.

The matter was reported to Barangay 148, Pasay City, prompting barangay tanods to immediately act on available CCTV footage, which resulted in the identification and apprehension of the suspect.

Through coordinated action with police authorities, the suspect was later brought to Baclaran Substation for proper documentation, investigation, and case build-up. The cellular phone, however, was no longer recovered.

The case will be referred before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, or Estafa, in relation to Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.