BOC arrests 2 brokers involved in P1.9-M extortion bid
According to BOC, the two suspects will face complaints of robbery with violence or intimidation of persons by way of extortion under the Revised Penal Code. —Photo courtesy of BOC
MANILA, Philippines — Two customs brokers, who were reportedly involved in an extortion activity targeting a local freight forwarder, were arrested on Tuesday in Manila, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
In a report on Wednesday, BOC identified the customs broker as Wyeth Lara Navales, who was arrested along with her sister, Leila Lara Navales, in Ermita.
READ:
“The two attempted to extort Kenji Otsuka of Otsuka Freight Forwarders Co., Ltd. by demanding an additional P1.9 million, supposedly as ‘grease money,’ for the BOC,” the agency revealed.
BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Director Verne Enciso disclosed that P500,000 was earlier paid for Otsuka’s shipment, as an “all-inclusive engagement fee that includes the broker’s fee and customs duties and taxes.”
“But upon arrival of the shipment, this certain Wyeth allegedly told the complainant that the shipment was on hold and would be subjected to a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) unless the complainant, this Otsuka, pays an additional P1.9 million,” Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy, for his part, said.
“The broker claimed that the money would act as ‘grease money’ for various offices that would issue the release of Otsuka’s shipment from being on hold. Wyeth also issued an “ultimatum” or deadline of June 3, to the complainant, saying that his shipment would be subjected to a WSD after the said date lapsed,” the statement reads. /cb
