‘Brains’ behind P300 million ‘pasalo’ scam nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — A woman who allegedly masterminded a P300-million investment scam was arrested in Tanza, Cavite on June 5, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported on Thursday.

Melinda Adalin was apprehended by the Parañaque police in Barangay Julugan, NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

Adalin is reportedly behind the “pasalo” or “paluwagan” scam that defrauded at least 500 people. She is accused of promising the victims double the returns on their investment within 10 to 15 days, according to Nartatez.

Adalin, who had been in hiding for two years, was served two arrest warrants for estafa issued by Judges Leilani Dacanay-Grimares of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 296 and Karen Red-Lock of the Parañaque Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 89.

Several victims went to the Parañaque police station upon learning of Adalin’s arrest, expressing relief and gratitude after “years of uncertainty,” Nartatez said.