The National Bureau of Investigation – Naga District Office arrested a suspect for allegedly posing as a parish priest in an online scheme to solicit fraudulent donations, authorities said.
The probe began after a clergy member filed a complaint, saying his name and photograph were used to deceive acquaintances into sending money. Investigators said the suspect allegedly used the false identity to request financial assistance from victims online.
NBI agents organized an entrapment operation following the complaint. The suspect was arrested after claiming money that authorities said came from the fraudulent scheme through a mobile wallet account linked to the operation.
Authorities recovered marked money and a mobile device believed to have been used in carrying out the alleged scam during the arrest.
The suspect is facing charges of identity theft under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and estafa under the Revised Penal Code, the NBI said.
“We will not allow criminals to exploit the trust and goodwill of the public through fake online identities. The NBI remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing cyber fraudsters and protecting our communities,” said NBI Acting Director Atty. Angelito DLP. Magno.
The NBI urged the public to verify online requests for financial assistance and to report suspicious social media accounts or activities to authorities.
