Interpol may assist Baladjay probers

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be seeking the assistance of its international counterpart in tracking down the alleged deposits of pyramid scam suspect and Multitel head Rosario Baladjay.

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco said the bureau will request assistance from International Police (Interpol) headquarters to help them trace Baladjay’s $200-million deposit abroad.

"The Interpol is mandated to help countries in need of specialize investigation assistance. I think Baladjay’s case is fully qualified for Interpol intervention," Wycoco said.

During a recent hearing at the Senate, Baladjay claimed to have invested and deposited in banks abroad, particularly in Europe, the money she collected from her investors numbering some 950,000. She has recently been turned over by the Senate to the Makati City jail.

However, Wycoco said the bureau needs Interpol intervention to trace and recover investment money from Baladjay in the absence of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with most of the European countries.

"With the doors of the European investigative agencies literally closing their doors at us, tracking down Baladjay’s money is an uphill battle," the NBI chief pointed out. "This, aside from the fact that their bank secrecy laws are more stringent and confidential than those of the Americans and other Asian countries."

Meanwhile, Wycoco also said the bureau is no longer interested in taking Baladjay into its custody to prevent any controversy, folowing accusations by the Multitel head that the bureau was harassing her.

"We are no longer interested in detaining Baladjay. As far as we are concerned, any jail is good enough for her," Wycoco said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe