Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced the arrest of an alleged scammer for claiming to be an official of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The suspect, identified as Erick Balsomo, was arrested in an entrapment operation at a mall in Manila last July 28.

According to Philippines News Agency, the arrest was made following a complaint against Balsomo, who purportedly offered to facilitate the processing of LTO documents in exchange for money. The operation was executed by agents from the NBI’s Criminal Intelligence Division and Fraud and Financial Crimes Division. During the arrest, Balsomo was found to be in possession of a bladed weapon.

Balsomo also has an outstanding warrant for a non-bailable offense of statutory rape issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. A complaint has been filed against him before the City Prosecutor of Manila for usurpation of authority and official function, estafa, and illegal use of a fictitious name under the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

It has additionally been recommended that Balsomo be charged for the concealed deadly weapon found in his possession.