Driver hired from social media ‘steals’ P100 million in valuables

Police have arrested a driver who allegedly stole over P100 million worth of valuables from his Korean employer in Muntinlupa.

According to John Consulta's report on "24 Oras", the authorities identified the suspect as Meynard Soler, whom Muntinlupa police officers arrested in a follow-up operation.

Based on CCTV footage, the suspect was seen carrying a bag and then leaving the residence driving his employer's SUV.

“Base sa statement ng ating biktima, hinire niya ang driver na ito sa Facebook," Muntinlupa Police chief Police Colonel Angel Garcillano said.

"Meron pala itong existing warrant of arrest for theft na ginawa sa Pasay,” he added.

(Based on the statement of our victim, he hired the driver on Facebook. It turns out that the suspect has an existing warrant of arrest for theft made in Pasay.)

The suspect, however, denied the allegations.

“Umalis po ako kasi may pinagawa siya sa aking yung sa golf niya po. Wala po akong ninakaw sir,” Soler said.

(I left because he asked me to do an errand related to his golf game. I didn't steal anything.)

Police said the suspect pointed out the pawnshops where he took the stolen items.

Among the stolen items were the SUV, a watch, a dragon figurine, bracelets, and gold cards.

The SUV was recovered in Quezon City.

“Narekober po natin lahat ng mga items na ninakaw niya mula sa Koreano. Kung susumahin, nagkakahalaga po ito ng more than P100 million,” Southern Police District director Police Brigadier General Kirby John Kraft said.

(We recovered all the items he stole from the Korean. In total, the loot runs up to more than P100 million.)

The suspect is facing a complaint of qualified theft.

“Huwag basta magtitiwala sa Facebook o social media, kukuha tayo ng kasambahay o driver, mas maganda po yung meron po tayong reference o agency,” Kraft said.

(Don't just trust Facebook or social media posts. It’s better if we hired from a reference or an agency.) —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA Integrated News