Cameroonian nabbed for allegedly running a 'black dollar-peso scam'

Authorities arrested a Cameroonian involved in a "black dollar-peso scam" in a hotel in Manila, John Consulta reported Saturday on "24 Oras Weekend."

The suspect, Febian Titah, allegedly ran his operation in the Cagayan Valley but held his meet-ups in a hotel in Manila.

Recovered from Titah were P3 million in marked money and his money scam kit composed of a white powder and a few bottles of liquid.

“Humingi ng P3 million yung ating subject para paramihin, gagawing P9 million. Dinemo sa kanya kung paano paramihin yung P1,000 bill. So ginamitan ng certain chemical kung saan ipinpahid doon sa cut out ng P1,000 bill,” said NBI Lal-lo, Cagayan Executive Officer Kelvin Caoili.

The suspect has been in the Philippines for 12 years, and many may have fallen victim to his scam.

“Ang target ng ating subject ay itong mga kababayan na nasa probinsya na hindi pa aware sa modus na ganito. Kasama rin sa mga tinatarget ay mga OFW natin. Nabibiktima ang ating mgq kababayan dahil sa promise na madodoble o matritriple ang kanilang pera,” said NBI spokesperson Atty. Gisele Garcia - Dumlao.

The NBI is verifying another case of illegal possession of firearms against the suspect for allegedly having an AK-47 in his vehicle.

Meanwhile, Titah was detained at the NBI detention facility. He has not given a statement.

“Sinampaham natin ng Estafa at Article 168 ng revised penal code o tinatawag na illegal possession and use of false treasury and bank notes,” said Atty. Dumlao.

The NBI reminded the public not to fall for the scammers' "easy money" offers to avoid becoming victims. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News