CIDG nabs fake cop for P1.1 million extortion

MANILA, Philippines —  A man who posed as a police officer and allegedly extorted P1.1 million from a Malaysian businesswoman was arrested in Parañaque City on Wednesday.

Mark Anthony Escueta, 41, was collared by the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group during an entrapment operation at a parking lot in Aseana City, CIDG-National Capital Region field unit chief Col. John Guiagui said.

The operation was launched after the victim received threats from the suspect and sought police assistance.

Guiagui said Escueta, who posed as Maj. Artemio Armada, sent two fake police reports to the businesswoman, warning that she would face cases of tax evasion and money laundering if she would not give in to his extortion demand.

The suspect reportedly demanded from the victim P500,000 in April and another P600,000 yesterday when he was arrested.

Guiagui showed copies of the fake spot reports: one allegedly signed by Armada and another official from the National Capital Region Police Office.

The real Armada, who is assigned with the Manila Police District, appeared at Guiagui’s office and denied he is connected with Escueta.

Armada said the signature on the document was not his.

He said he came out to clear his name, adding that he would reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 next year.

Police urged other victims of Escueta to file complaints against the suspect, who is facing cases of robbery-extortion, usurpation of authority and falsification of public documents.  

When asked by reporters, Escueta admitted that he resorted to extortion due to his online gambling addiction.