The National Bureau of Investigation-Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU) arrested two individuals in an entrapment operation on March 26, for allegedly extorting ₱200,000 in exchange for the return of a foreign national’s passport.

The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by an Indian national who accused the suspects of illegally withholding his passport as collateral for a loan.

The suspects reportedly demanded payment for their release and subjected the victim to repeated threats through digital platforms, including warnings to destroy the document and report his expired visa status to immigration authorities.

Following verification of the complaint, NBI-SAU agents set up an entrapment at a mall in Pasay City.

The suspects were apprehended immediately after accepting marked money from the complainant.

The arrested individuals were presented for inquest before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office and are facing charges of grave coercion under Article 286 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.