Scam suspect’s P17-M Lamborghini found in condo; raps set vs dealer

P17-MILLION RIDE Officials led by NBI chief Nonnatus Rojas (in dark suit) and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (center) present to the media the Lamborghini reportedly bought by alleged pyramid scam leader Manuel Amalilio, which was found abandoned at a Mandaluyong City condominium Friday. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

The National Bureau of Investigation will file charges for obstruction of justice against a distributor of luxury cars following the recovery of a P17-million Lamborghini reportedly owned by alleged pyramid scam leader Manuel Amalilio.

Authorities found the gray car on the basement parking area of a condominium in Mandaluyong City Friday.

In a press conference, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said a gray Lamborghini Gallardo 560 Coupe Regolare, listed under the name of Amalilio, was apparently abandoned at the parking area of Tower 1 of BSA Twin Towers at the corner of Towers Bank Drive corner Julio Vargas Street, Ortigas Center.

Head agent Palmer Mallari of the NBI-Technical Intelligence Division said the company PGA Cars failed to report the car’s existence to authorities even after it was informed about its presence by the management of the condominium.

Based on the sales invoice obtained by the NBI, the luxury car was bought by Amalilio from the car distributor for P17.1 million in cash.

“PGA Cars faces (charges for) obstruction of justice for not reporting the existence of the vehicle after they were informed by the building management,” Mallari said.

He said records from the BSA Twin Tower 1 security office showed that the car was parked in the building in October last year by Shaffic Risaib, who leased the parking slot for one month and paid in cash.

Risaib left his business card with the guards but had not returned since, he said.

Unable to reach Risaib, the building management later contacted PGA Cars to verify the car’s ownership, the agent added.

“We invited PGA to shed light on the car’s existence, but its representative said the transaction was between the building management and the car’s owner,” Mallari said.