The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file charges against five individuals arrested for allegedly operating an illegal notarial service in Manila.

In a statement over the weekend, the NBI said agents from its Fraud and Financial Crimes Division carried out an operation on 23 April that led to the suspects’ arrest, following a complaint from a commissioned notary public.

The complainant reported that her notarial commission, including her official stamp and seal, was being used without her knowledge or consent.

She also tipped off authorities about the location of the alleged illicit operation.

After conducting verification, NBI agents confirmed that the group had allegedly been using the notary’s credentials and had falsified her signature on documents.

To build the case, authorities launched an entrapment operation. 

An undercover agent, posing as a client, submitted an affidavit of loss for notarization on-site. As the document was being processed, operatives moved in and arrested the suspects.

The NBI said the individuals will face multiple charges, including falsification of public documents, possession of instruments used for falsification, and attempted estafa.

Authorities reminded the public to transact only with duly commissioned notaries to avoid legal complications and ensure the authenticity of official documents.