The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday announced the arrest of six Indians and three Filipinos in an entrapment operation conducted in Parañaque City for carnapping and syndicated estafa.
In a statement, the NBI said the arrested individuals are allegedly part of a syndicate involved in the “assume balance-talon” scheme.
This modus involves an individual who is unable to continue paying for the monthly amortization for a vehicle, decides to pass this on to an individual who in turn will take over the loan. This individual will then mortgage the vehicle for some amount.
The original owner, when he decides to recover the loan will then be asked for a large sum as a condition for the return of the vehicle.
According to the NBI, the operation stemmed from a complaint filed against the nine individuals for selling his vehicle without his consent.
The complainant said he failed to pay the monthly amortization of a vehicle to the bank and offered it for pasalo or to sell it to someone else who will also continue the payments.
The vehicle was then passed on to one of the arrested subjects, who sold it to another individual. They then mortgaged the vehicle for P120,000 and demanded P450,000 from the complainant when he sought to recover it.
One of the subjects threatened the complainant that the car would be chopped or dismantled if he is unable to pay.
This led the complainant to file the complaint before the NBI.
The NBI agents arrested the subjects at a casino hotel in Parañaque City on June 24. They have undergone inquest proceedings.
“Director Santiago likewise advises the public to be more cautious in their financial transactions to avoid falling prey to this scheme of unscrupulous individuals,” the NBI said. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
