Three members of an Angolan budol-budol gang were arrested by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Pasay City last week.
The suspects, who allegedly extorted P250,000 from a Chinese national, were presented to the media by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Monday.
They were identified as Aroon James, 44, from Puerto Rico; Brown Akwe Fonboh, 43, from USA, and Gum Blanche Murphy, 28 from Angola, all temporarily residing in a hotel in Pasig City.
“Prior to the police operation, a victim who is a Chinese national, reported and alleged that on May 14, he was victimized by the arrested suspects by deceiving him and made him believe that they could produce US dollar bills by using paraphernalia and chemical applications,” the report said.
On May 23, the suspects demanded P5 million from the Chinese national with a promise that they will produce one hundred thousand dollars worth of bills.
The Chinese national, however, sought help from the CIDG, leading to the arrest of the suspects last May 25 along Sunset Drive in Pasay City past 7 p.m.
“The arrested suspects are now detained at the detention facility of the CIDG NCR and criminal cases of syndicated estafa, swindling, assault upon agent of persons in authority and resistance and disobedience were already filed at the Pasay City Prosecutors Office,” police said. /vvp