(File photo)
The suspects, identified as Khan and Awa Fonkam, were arrested in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City following an NBI operation in response to a complaint lodged by one of their victims.
In the "black dollar" scam, criminals persuade victims to pay a large sum for a supposed chemical that can make counterfeit dollars look real.
The complainant informed the NBI that he met a man who introduced himself as "Dr. Paul" at a hotel in Makati City on July 5, 2024. He paid PHP 400,000 for a chemical that was to be applied to counterfeit dollars to make them appear authentic.
"Dr. Paul" allegedly placed the counterfeit money in foil with a powder and then immersed it in hot water, instructing that the foil should remain sealed for 24 hours for the chemical to take effect.
Doubtful, the complainant immediately opened the foil upon returning home, only to discover black paper inside.
He contacted "Dr. Paul", who insisted they meet again and pay an additional PHP 50,000 for more chemicals to complete the process of transforming the counterfeit dollars into seemingly real ones.
When they met again on July 9, 2024, "Dr. Paul", who turned out to be Khan Fonkam, was arrested by NBI operatives who accompanied the complainant.
It was discovered that Fonkam had previously been arrested by the NBI-CCD on May 31, 2024.
The arrested suspects were taken to the Office of the City Prosecutor of Taguig City for inquest proceedings on charges of swindling under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, and Illegal Possession and Use of False Treasury or Bank Notes and Other Instruments under Article 168 of the Revised Penal Code, related to Section 6 of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
