NBI summons trader in PIPC scam

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday afternoon sent a subpoena to the general manager of an alleged bogus foreign trading firm that has allegedly amassed $250 million from its rich investors.

Assistant Regional Director Oscar Embido, of the NBI-Anti-Organized Crime Division (AOCD), said that they had asked Cristina Gonzalez-Tuazon, general manager of Performance Investment Products Corp. (PIPC), to appear before their office on July 31.

He said that they did not summon her at a much earlier date “to give her time to prepare.” Besides, he admitted that there is that possibility that she would not make a personal appearance and would just instruct her lawyer to represent her.

The subpoena was sent to Tuazon’s office at the Citibank Tower in Makati City. Embido said the complainants have identified Tuazon as the businesswoman who entertained, enticed and encouraged them to invest at PIPC.

Three NBI units tapped to investigate the alleged PIPC scam—the AOCD, the Interpol Division and National Capital Region (NCR) office.

It can be recalled that Tuazon wrote a letter to NBI Director Nestor Mantaring last week, seeking the NBI’s assistance in locating PIPC owner Michael Liew, a Singaporean trader, who allegedly ran off with the firms money including the investments of clients. Liew reportedly left the country last June 20.

The NBI said through their invitation, the investigators are giving Tuazon the opportunity to answer the allegations against her.

Another NBI official said he had received information that Tuazon is still in the country and was willing to talk to investigators. – Evelyn Macairan