"Revolutionary tax" scam: NBI nabs couple for allegedly using NPA ruse for cash

• The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended a couple for allegedly extorting P50,000 to P100,000 monthly from their own employers by falsely claiming to be members of the New People's Army (NPA)

• The alleged scheme capitalized on the NPA's historical practice of demanding "revolutionary taxes," using the rebel group's intimidating reputation to coerce payments from their victims

• The NBI's Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD) spearheaded the operation, showcasing the agency's efforts against complex criminal syndicates and various forms of exploitation

• Authorities continue to urge businesses and individuals to report all extortion attempts to law enforcement, emphasizing that giving in only perpetuates such criminal activities

A couple has been apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly orchestrating an elaborate extortion scheme, falsely presenting themselves as members of the New People's Army (NPA) to demand significant monthly payments from their own employers.

The NBI's Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD) confirmed the arrest, shedding light on a deceptive plot that exploited existing fears surrounding insurgent activities.

According to initial reports from the NBI, the arrested individuals, whose identities have yet to be fully disclosed, are accused of extorting sums ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 on a monthly basis from their bosses.

The alleged modus operandi involved the couple leveraging the intimidating reputation of the NPA, a communist rebel group, to coerce their employers into compliance.

This tactic is a serious criminal offense, particularly as it involves impersonating a known armed group for financial gain.

The New People's Army has historically been known for imposing what it refers to as "revolutionary taxes" or "protection fees" on businesses, particularly in areas where they operate or claim influence.

These demands, often backed by threats of violence or disruption of operations, are widely considered by authorities as outright extortion.

The couple's alleged scheme appears to have mimicked this very method, preying on their bosses' potential fear of retribution from the rebel group.

The NBI's Organized and Transnational Crime Division, which specializes in combating complex criminal syndicates and cross-border offenses, led the operation that resulted in the couple's apprehension.

This division is tasked with dismantling criminal networks that engage in activities such as extortion, human traff1cking, and cybercrime, among others.

Their involvement underscores the gravity and perceived sophistication of the alleged extortion ring.

Authorities have consistently warned the public and businesses against giving in to any form of extortion, whether from genuine or fake armed groups.

Instead, victims are urged to immediately report such incidents to law enforcement agencies like the NBI or the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Prompt reporting often allows authorities to set up entrapment operations, leading to the arrest of perpetrators and the disruption of criminal activities.

The arrest of individuals falsely claiming to be part of the NPA for extortion is not an isolated incident in the Philippines.

Law enforcement agencies have previously reported cases where individuals or small groups exploit the notoriety of the NPA or other armed elements to conduct their own criminal enterprises.

These imposters capitalize on the fear factor associated with these groups, making their threats more credible to unsuspecting victims.

The penalties for such crimes, including extortion and potentially usurpation of authority, are severe under Philippine law, aimed at deterring similar illicit activities.

The NBI's swift action in this case serves as a reminder of their continuous efforts to safeguard the public and businesses from various forms of criminal exploitation.

The arrested couple is expected to face appropriate charges as the investigation progresses to uncover further details of their alleged scheme and any potential accomplices.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III announced that the majority of 15 police personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel, linked to the "missing sabungeros" case are active officers. Chief Torre indicated that more than 15 police personnel might be involved, and the bodies of the missing "sabungeros" may not be limited to a single location like Taal Lake. The confirmation sparked strong public reactions online, with many expressing anger over perceived corruption and demanding justice for the missing individuals and accountability for those involved, including high-profile figures. The revelation highlights the complexity of the "missing sabungeros" case, prompting serious concerns about public trust in law enforcement and emphasizing the PNP's commitment to a thorough investigation to bring perpetrators to justice.

The body of a male, who has been missing for several days, was found in a river in Brgy. Kamugaw, Pinamungahan, Cebu. As per the report of Brigada News PH, the body was already in an advanced state of decomposition. The victim was identified as 33-year-old Joseph of Purok Piña, in the same area. Based on the initial investigation of the Pinamungahan Police Station, as well as the statement from the mother of the victim, he was last seen on June 24 and they have been looking for him since then.

Source: KAMI.com.gh