3 suspects in P10 million ‘sangla-tira’ scheme held

MANILA, Philippines —  Three persons allegedly involved in the P10-million “sangla-tira” estafa scheme were arrested in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa on Tuesday.

The suspects, known only through their aliases, were Alec, 28; Christina, 48, and Daniel, 36.

According to police, the complaints against the suspects detailed the alleged fraudulent activities related to the pawning and mortgage of a property in Sucat, Muntinlupa.

The suspects allegedly promised the victims substantial profits, using notarized contracts to make it appear that the transactions were legal.

During the operation, police seized three original sets of contracts to sell the property, two acknowledgment receipts worth P500,000, identification cards, mobile phones and a vehicle registered to Christina.

Also allegedly seized from Daniel was a 9mm pistol.

Police said Alex had been convicted of estafa by a Valenzuela City court over bouncing checks.

Previous victims of the suspects came out and expressed willingness to file cases of syndicated estafa against them, police said.