PNP-CIDG agents arrest woman in P40M investment scam
PHILIPPINE National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferron yesterday announced the arrest of a 44-year-old woman accused of involvement in a P40 million investment scam in Calabarzon and Cordillera regions.
In a report to PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, the official identified the suspect as Cora Gaviola Catalino, the subject of a warrant of arrest for three counts of large-scale illegal recruitment, with no bail recommended.
Ferro said that the suspect, who was arrested in Upper General Luna Road in Baguio City around 5 a.m. Friday, is the subject of complaints from over 30 victims, whom she purportedly have defrauded of their hard-earned money and savings, after enticing them to join her investment scheme.
An investigation by the Rizal CIDG showed that Catalino identified herself as an employee/financier of Okada to the victims, whom she promised a 20 percent interest, in only 15-days.
“Ako po ay kinaibigan, kinuhang ninang at inimbita sa mga magarbong parties sa kanyang bahay na may mga pa-raffle na cellphone at mamahaling gamit upang maipakita ang kanyang yaman, then eventually, inalok na akong mag-invest,” said one of the complainants Mary Lucette dela Rosa.
Ferro called on other victims of the accused to go to their office and file additional charges against the suspect.
“Paulit-ulit po naming pinapaalalahan ang ating publiko na maging maingat at huwag tangkilin ang ganitong mapanlinlang na investment schemes. Let’s not fall for lavish promises of bigger return of investment,” he said.
The official said complainants can dial the numbers 0977-3475267 and 0951-0593843 to inquire how they can file formal charges against the suspect.
