Businessman, casino worker charged with fraud

MANILA, Philippines — A businessman and an employee of a casino in Quezon City are facing criminal charges for allegedly defrauding a firm of P12 million.

Businessman Lavish Mohan Paryani and Reigna Reyes, who works as a senior buyer at the casino’s procurement department, were charged by RTI Inc. before the Pasay prosecutor’s office on Oct. 8.

Paryani is the subject of a police manhunt. Reyes was arrested on Oct. 11.

On April 4, Paryani and Reyes allegedly introduced themselves as owners of a company with legitimate business dealings with the casino, supplying it with premium prizes for patrons and guests.

Filipino-Indian billionaire Rajiv Chandiramani, one of the principal stockholders of RTI, arranged the meeting upon Paryani’s request, RTI corporate treasurer and duly authorized representative Maria Anita Turqueza said in the complaint.

Chandiramani and Paryani have known each other for years, Turqueza claimed.

Paryani and Reyes asked RTI for a P10-million loan and promised to repay it with an additional P2 million in interest in 90 days. They issued a check for P12 million to convince RTI.

After securing the loan, Paryani and Reyes avoided communicating with RTI. It was later discovered that the check was issued from a closed bank account.

Reyes said she could not be held liable for fraud as she did not issue the dishonored check.

Paryani did not submit a counter-affidavit despite being subpoenaed.