Big-time scammer gets nabbed after 8 years

A scammer who stole tens of millions of pesos from several individuals and groups was arrested based on estafa charges after eight years.

According to Nico Waje’s “Stand for Truth” report on Wednesday, Nomer Malenab, a professor, stole at least P83 million from several people who fell victim of his scams.

He started in 2012 but was only arrested on three counts of estafa last August 21, 2020.

“Mayroon po tayong informant na nag-invest sa kanya. Itong informant na ‘to, nagduda siya. Ang ginawa niya, sinearch niya si Nomer… Nalaman niya, scammer. Pina-verify niya po sa amin kung may warrant. Positive naman po na may warrant,” Police Lieutenant Vicente Borac Jr. said.

Malenab duped victims by telling them that he is the rice supplier of various restaurants, university canteens, and other institutions.

He also promised them that their investments would grow by 15 to 20 percent.

Ryan, one of Malenab’s victims, said he trusted the scammer and gave him P350,000 because he was then head of the Office of Student Affairs of a college in Taguig City.

Ryan was given a guaranteed check of P45,000 by Malenab but never received anything again after that.

The other victims had the same experience.

Gail Lobo, Malenab’s co-teacher at a university in Intramuros, was one of the worst-hit victims after she, her friends, and her relatives gave the scammer an initial P800,000 that later grew to P38 million.

“Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit nangyayari sa akin ‘to pero hindi makatarungan ang mga nangyari sa aming lahat. Hindi kami investors, niloko niya kami,” Lobo said.

Lobo and other victims are set to file large-scale estafa charges against Malenab.

The scammer is currently in the custody of the Quezon City police. -- Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News