Designer arrested for alleged swindling

CEBU, Philippines -  An aspiring fashion designer who allegedly swindled his clients was arrested in an entrapment operation in a mall in Cebu City Monday afternoon.

Carl Miñoza, 24, of Barangay Talamban, Cebu City, was apprehended after he received the marked money handed down by his complainants during a fitting session in a mall’s restroom.

Chief Inspector Romeo Santander, head of the City Intelligence Branch, said that a group of students sought the assistance of the police, complaining about Miñoza for not being able to finish the gowns they have ordered for a school prom set for April 26.

He added that the third-year medical technology students complained that while they have already paid the suspect for the gowns, they were not able to check and fit the items they have ordered from Miñoza.

“Naguol sila kay wa na man magpakita ang suspek. Di na siya ma-contact ug wa na sila’y communication,” he said.

Santander said that most of Miñoza’s victims are students and of the eight complainants, four of them arrived in Santander’s office Monday morning. He said that it might be possible that there will be more complainants surfacing in coming days.

One of  the complainants said she already paid Miñoza P3,000 for a gown worth P4,000.

She said she negotiated with Miñoza on February 20 and last met with him on March 18 for the payment.

Her colleague, who also ordered two gowns for her and her sister from Miñoza, said she was able to pay the suspect a total of  P9,500.

She explained that they were bothered after seeing Miñoza’s photo in a social networking site when he was reportedly imprisoned for another swindling case.

“Nahadlok mi pagkahibawo nga napriso diay ni siya. Wa mi mag-expect ma in-ani diay,” she said.

On March 8, Miñoza was arrested in Subangdaku, Mandaue City after allegedly deceiving people to become part-time models for a local newspaper in exchange for a specific amount of money and claiming to be an employee of the publication. The case was reportedly settled.

The suspect declined to make a comment and told the media to talk to his lawyer.

The police said that Miñoza is likely to face charges of estafa if the complainants will refuse a settlement.  (FREEMAN)