Baladjay’s cousin nabbed

The police arrested a relative of controversial pyramiding scam suspect Rose Baladjay, of the Multinational Telecom Corp. (Multitel) during an operation in Cainta on Saturday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said yesterday.

CIDG director Chief Superintendent Eduardo Matillano said the suspect Erma Barrameda, 31, was arrested by virtue of the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Pedro Sabundayo, of Muntinlupa City dated March 18 on the complaint filed by one Iris Rafanan.

Barrameda acted as counselor of the Multitel, where she encouraged several clients to join the quickrich scam.

The arrest of Barrameda, who is seven months pregnant, came amid the controversy surrounding Baladjay’s assets here and abroad.

CIDG agents served the warrant on Barrameda at her residence in Parola Street, San Andres, Cainta, Rizal. During interrogation, Barrameda claimed she was also a victim of the pyramiding scam because she lost at least P2-million in investments to Baladjay.

The money was part of the hard-earned savings of her husband who worked as overseas worker in Saudi Arabia.

Barrameda said she also expected to double her investments from the 15 percent monthly interest promised by Baladjay. Barrameda also vowed to go after Baladjay if she fails to return her money.

Multitel is one of the top agencies involved in the pyramiding scam. Its investments totalled to almost P5 billion.