2 Iranians nabbed for alleged shoplifting in Mandaluyong mall

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MANILA, Philippines – Two Iranian teenagers were arrested on Saturday afternoon for allegedly stealing assorted goods worth around P4, 000 in a department store in Mandaluyong City.

The Iranian nationals – Mohammad Reza Nica Kahtar, 18 and a 17-year-old minor – were both students who live in California Garden Square condominium in Mandaluyong City.

In a written report, Senior Police Officer 2 Disilito Custodio, investigator on case, said the two appeared to be shopping with a pushcart at the department store of the SM Megamall around 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The mall’s security guard Almero Plaza said one of the suspects went inside the fitting room with a black backpack and several goods while the other one stood guard outside.

Custodio said the Iranian went out of the fitting room and handed over the bag to his companion. They proceeded to the store’s exit door without paying the items which they have taken.

The guard who had been monitoring their movements grew suspicious and approached the Iranians outside the mall.

He subsequently found items such as men’s clothes, undergarments and shoe polish hidden in the backpack.

The guard brought them to the Mandaluyong police station after they failed to show receipts which may serve as proof that they had bought the items inside the bag.

The two, who remain detained at press time, will be charged with theft at the city prosecutor’s office.