PERSONNEL of the Malasiqui Municipal Police Station arrested a wanted individual involved in a high-profile syndicated estafa case during a law enforcement operation on January 6, 2026, at around 4:30 p.m. in Poblacion, Malasiqui.

The arrested suspect is a 29-year-old businessman and a resident of Barangay San Juan, San Carlos City. He was apprehended by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on January 6, 2026 for the crime of syndicated estafa under Article 315, paragraph 2(a) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 10951, in relation to Presidential Decree No. 1689 and Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The suspect is facing four counts of syndicated estafa, docketed under Criminal Case Nos. 14169, 14170, 14171, and 14172, all carrying a “no bail recommended” status.

He is currently under the custody of the Malasiqui Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition before his turnover to the issuing court.

Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Carlos City passed a resolution strongly condemning the suspect, the owner of JRL Kwarta Trading Co., for his alleged deliberate and malicious refusal to return investors’ money. The city council also urged national government agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and file appropriate cases against him.

On May 13, 2025, personnel of the PNP Anti-Cyber Group raided the company’s office after determining that it was operating illegally, in violation of Sections 8, 26, and 28 of Republic Act No. 8799, otherwise known as the Securities Regulation Code.

“The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in its commitment to the relentless pursuit of justice, particularly against individuals involved in syndicated and large-scale fraudulent activities,” PCol Arbel Mercullo, police director, said. (Eva Visperas)