Philippines – Two sisters believed to be behind a skincare-linked investment scheme were arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City, capping a long-running fraud probe.
According to a statement from the Philippine National Police (PNP) through its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the pair were taken into custody on September 5 shortly after arriving from Malaysia. The operation was led by the CIDG Anti-Transnational Crime Unit, working with other PNP units and partner agencies.
Who Was Arrested and Why
The suspects are said to be the owner and operations manager of a skincare business. Together, they face a staggering 38 warrants of arrest issued by courts across the country.
The charges cover several serious offenses:
- Syndicated estafa – large-scale swindling carried out by a group
- Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 – the anti-bouncing checks law
- Securities Regulation Code violations – unlawful solicitation of investments
- Swindling under the Revised Penal Code
Investigators found that the sisters allegedly invited people to invest money in their business. While the company was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for beauty and skincare activities, records showed no authority to solicit or accept investments from the public.
The Numbers Behind the Case
The 38 warrants come with heavy legal weight. One involves service of sentence, meaning a conviction already stands. Four carry no recommended bail at all.
The remaining 33 warrants add up to a total recommended bail of ₱1.967 million. That figure alone shows the scale of the cases stacked against the two.
A Warning for Every Filipino Investor
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the arrest reflects steady, evidence-based police work.
“We will continue to do our job based on evidence and within the bounds of the law,” he said. He urged the public to stay careful: know who you trust, and confirm that any investment you enter is legitimate.
For Filipinos abroad, the reminder hits close to home. Many OFWs send money back to invest in businesses they hope will grow their savings. Before handing over your hard-earned cash, check whether the company has real authority from the SEC to accept investments.
The PNP said it will keep strengthening coordination with government agencies and international partners, especially in cases where suspects travel overseas. Anyone who suspects a fraudulent scheme is encouraged to report it to the proper authorities.