Suspect in annulment processing scam nabbed in QC

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division has arrested a woman for allegedly offering to process annulments in exchange for money.

According to John Consulta's exclusive report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, the NBI, acting on a request from the Supreme Court, staged a sting operation at a restaurant in Fairview, Quezon City to nab the suspect.

“Naka-receive kami ng letter from the Chief Justice himself ng Supreme Court natin asking the NBI for assistance. Meron daw umiikot online, nag-o-offer ng non-appearance, annulment, et cetera,” said NBI Cybercrime Division chief Jeremy Lotoc.

The suspect allegedly offered to process annulments for P20,000, and obtained fake annulment documents and templates from the courts for the purpose. At least 12 people have been victimized, according to the report. 

She has been charged with computer-related forgery, violation of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) law, and estafa.

“Humihingi ako ng tawad kay Chief Justice, kasi sa hirap ng buhay, napilitan lang po,” said the suspect.

Based on data obtained by GMA Integrated News research, over 5,536 annulment cases were filed from 2009 to 2022 at the Office of the Solicitor General. It one to two years to receive the court's decision.

“Check and double check, mas maganda kung personally kilala ninyo ang ka-transaksyon ninyo,” Lotoc said.

The NBI cybercrime division urged other victims to go to their office for assistance in filing additional complaints. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News