AUTHORITIES in San Juan City arrested a 23-year-old businessman during an entrapment operation on October 13, 2026, following allegations that he duped a car buyer out of ₱220,000 in a vehicle-swapping scheme.
The suspect, identified alias “Lance,” was apprehended by personnel from the San Juan City Police Station at a cell phone accessories shop on the second floor of the Greenhills Shopping Center in Barangay Greenhills.
According to police reports, the case began when the suspect offered to sell a 2015 Honda Civic for ₱400,000.
Believing the deal was legitimate, the victim handed over a ₱220,000 partial payment, with the remaining balance scheduled for settlement upon vehicle delivery.
However, complications arose when the suspect failed to deliver the Honda Civic.
Instead, he presented a Toyota Innova, claiming the original car had already been sold to another party.
He then demanded an additional ₱170,000 for the alternative vehicle.
Suspicious of the sudden change and discrepancies discovered during verification, the buyer immediately sought assistance from the police.
An entrapment operation launched by the station’s Intelligence and Warrant and Subpoena sections successfully led to the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement recovered a red metallic 2025 Toyota Innova, two car keys, two additional vehicles, a certificate of registration, an official receipt, and five marked ₱1,000 bills used in the operation.
Further investigation unveiled that the suspect was allegedly tied to a notorious vehicle rental scam known locally as “Rent-Tangay,” where rented automobiles are unlawfully withheld past their agreed return dates.
Investigators also uncovered multiple social media posts accusing the suspect of fraud, unpaid rental fees, and vehicle damages.
Several other alleged victims have since come forward to seek police assistance.
The suspect now faces formal complaints for Estafa or Swindling under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, filed through inquest proceedings at the San Juan City Office of the City Prosecutor.
Eastern Police District (EPD) District Director Police Brigadier General Roman C. Arugay urged the public to remain vigilant.
He reminded citizens to thoroughly authenticate vehicle documents and ownership before committing to high-value transactions, warning against relying solely on verbal agreements.
