INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / STOCK IMAGE
MANILA, Philippines — Police collared a Nigerian man and his live-in partner in Cavite province for allegedly swindling at least P2.2 million from the foreigner’s supposed former lover.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) identified the suspects as Ikenna Onuoha, 37, and Jacel Paderan, 28. They were arrested in Bacoor, Cavite late Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the Nigerian national and Paderan were apparently lovers but that the victim, whose name was withheld by authorities, was also a lover of the foreigner. Police said the Nigerian man and the victim met on an online dating app and had been in a relationship since April 2020. The Nigerian introduced himself as Demir Balik to the victim.
READ: Nigerian, accomplice face raps for P400,000 ‘romance scam’
However, the Nigerian man and Paderan turned out to be subjects of outstanding warrants for swindling or estafa issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 230, according to police.
The alleged scam involved the foreigner claiming that he had plans to visit the Philippines but that he needed the victim to help him financially because he was purportedly having problems with his online bank account.
The Nigerian allegedly instructed the victim to initially wire P254,000 to a certain “Mohammed” bank account, which authorities later found to be Paderan. He asked for more money, forcing the victim to sell her property eventually.
READ: NBI arrests 2 Nigerians, 3 others for ‘Mark Nagoyo’ bank hacking
In July 2020, the foreigner apparently arrived at the Cebu International Airport. But a certain Stephanie Evangelista called the victim and asked for P650,000 supposedly to pay for a certificate from the Anti-Money Laundering Council to purportedly release the suspect’s money worth $1 million.
As soon as money was requested, the victim became wary. She then decided to seek the help of the police.
All in all, however, the victim gave the suspects around P2.282 million.
“Maging mapanuri at huwag magpapaloko lalo na kung involved ang pera. Gamitin ang isip, at huwag puro puso (Be critical and don’t be easily fooled especially if it involves money. Use your head, and not just your heart),” QCPD chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III reminded the public.
— Alyssa Joy Quevedo, trainee
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