Police arrested two Canadian nationals and an American who allegedly posed as brokers of security firms in Muntinlupa City Wednesday. /PHOTO Courtesy of the National Capital Region Police Office
Updated (5:45 p.m.)
Two Canadian nationals and one American were arrested in a police operation in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday for allegedly posing as brokers of security firms.
Police identified the suspects as Canadian nationals Jesse Scott, 47, and Barry Rosen, 60, and the American as Richard Racioppi Jr, 56.
The suspects were arrested at around 6:25 a.m. in Racioppi’s house along Ormoc Street in Alabang Hills, Cupang in Muntinlupa City.
Another alleged suspect, Jeffrey Scott Rosen, was not around when the police conducted its operation.
The suspects allegedly introduce themselves to their victims as brokers of security firms to obtain money, authorities said.
Police said they received a report from a certain Ken Gamble saying the three are involved in a transnational crime syndicate operating in Metro Manila, which allegedly engages in fraudulent activities.
The suspects allegedly offer high returns for bogus investments, put up online sites, and make follow-up calls to lure their victims to buy stocks.
Police recovered from the suspects several computers and scripts supposedly used in transactions, bank transactions, and a 12 gauge shotgun from Racioppi’s room.
Initial investigation revealed that Racioppi is married to a Filipina and has been staying in the Philippines for almost 19 years, while Scott has since been working with him at his residence.
Police also found out that Barry Rosen is the chief executive officer of Biathlon Incorporated based in Hong Kong. He has been staying at the house of Racioppi for almost a week.
Authorities said they are in the process of informing the Embassy of Canada and the United States Embassy of the incident. /vvp