Authorities have arrested six Indian nationals and three Filipinos linked to a carnapping and syndicated estafa case in Parañaque City after allegedly mortgaging a vehicle they did not own and extorting money from the original owner.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an entrapment operation on June 24, following a complaint from a man who said his car was sold without his permission.
According to the NBI, the complainant had initially agreed to an “assume balance” deal after he could no longer pay the monthly dues on his vehicle. However, the suspects reportedly mortgaged the car for ₱120,000. When the complainant tried to reclaim it, he was shocked to be asked for ₱450,000—along with threats that the vehicle would be scrapped if he refused.
“Ang hinihingi sa kanya P450,000. Parang 5-6 eh pero hindi 5-6, 5-11,” said NBI-NCR team leader Joseph Eugemio Martinez, referring to the steep and illegal interest being demanded.
The NBI confirmed the group is part of a larger syndicate preying on struggling vehicle owners. The car was successfully recovered during the sting operation, and charges are now being prepared against the suspects.
