NBI nabs couple in ¥55-M extortion

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have apprehended a couple for allegedly extorting over ¥55 million from a Japanese businessman in the last 10 years.

Head Agent Ferdinand Lavin, NBI-NCR executive officer for administration, said they nabbed Ma. Lourdes Dizon and her husband Arnel, both residents of South City Homes, Biñan, Laguna based on a complaint by Japanese businessman Jiro Miyamoto.

Charges of robbery-extortion were filed against the two with the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.

Lavin said Miyamoto met Dizon when she worked as an entertainer in Japan. They became close and he reportedly supported her financially.

Miyamoto claimed that he has given her at least ¥55.55 million (P25 million).

"When her sister got pregnant and the family relied on her to shoulder the expenses, Mr. Miyamoto sent her money," Lavin said.

He added that the complainant, in an apparent attempt to earn the approval of Dizon’s family, reportedly sent her ¥52 million.

From the period of January until March this year, he also gave ¥3.5 million so Dizon could acquire a Japanese visa.

"The complainant said he keeps bank records of the deposits he has made to her bank account," the NBI official said.

Miyamoto arrived in the Philippines last April 18 to meet Dizon’s family.

Instead of a warm welcome, what he got were more demands for money.

"At one point, they threatened to report the Japanese national to authorities if he fails to give money. They claimed to have connections with the police," Lavin said.

Dizon also said he would never see her again if he does not produce the money.

This prompted him to verify with the Japanese Embassy if Dizon had indeed applied for a visa.

When he learned that there was no existing application, he immediately sought the help of the NBI-NCR, which set up an entrapment.

Last April 24, Miyamoto met Dizon at a hotel along Roxas Boulevard, where he was supposed to hand over ¥412,000.

"The husband allegedly accompanied her carrying a gun, which later turned out to be a toy," Lavin said.

After the deal was consummated, the NBI agents apprehended the couple.