NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
'Syndicate Network' Uncovered By LTO After Arrest Of Employees In Stolen License Plates
Photo credit: Benhur Abalos
Three employees of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) were apprehended on Thursday, January 25, for their involvement in stealing license plates from the agency’s Plate Making Plant in Quezon City.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II identified the arrested suspects as embossers Jenard Arida and Arjay Anasco, along with warehouse staff Valeriano Nerizon, all assigned to the Plate Making Plant at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City.
Under the guidance of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, a massive manhunt has been initiated against Allan Joker Abrigo, another LTO employee believed to be the mastermind behind the illicit activities.
Assec Mendoza commended the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division for their relentless efforts in uncovering the wrongdoing. He also expressed gratitude to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr., for swift police assistance.
“We will not tolerate this kind of illegal activity, and we will make sure that those who dare to continue will be caught and held responsible. The arrest of these three people is proof of that,” stated Mendoza.
Collaborating with the DILG and the Philippine National Police, an extensive investigation is now underway to determine the extent of the criminal syndicate involved in the theft of license plates.
The investigation began when the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division received information last year about the possible theft of license plates. Assec Mendoza emphasized the danger posed by the illegal activity, as stolen license plates could be used for criminal purposes.
On January 25, the suspects were caught in the act of stealing license plates from the Plate Making Plant, leading to their immediate arrest. The arrested individuals are now facing charges of Violation of Article 310 (Qualified Theft) and Article 294 (Robbery) of the Revised Penal Code, with administrative charges also set to be filed against them.
Assec Mendoza directed Renante G. Militante to leave no stones unturned in the investigation to determine if the arrested suspects are part of a larger criminal syndicate. “We are now trying to determine how long and how many license plates have been stolen by these errant employees,” added Mendoza.
The investigation has uncovered a grand illegal scheme involving the theft of license plates for newly-acquired motor vehicles through financing. The syndicate operates by providing fraudulent plates and documents to individuals involved in vehicle financing schemes.
Secretary Bautista applauded the LTO officials for uncovering the modus operandi and vowed to continue efforts to eliminate corrupt practices within the agency. Secretary Abalos committed support in the investigation to hold all involved parties accountable for their illegal activities.
The syndicate's intricate scheme involves technical carnapping, where motor vehicles are obtained through financing, and fraudulent documents are used to facilitate the sale of these vehicles. Assec Mendoza stressed the importance of valid identification cards and other supporting documentation in the syndicate's transactions.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities determined to bring all those involved to justice and put an end to this extensive criminal network embedded within the LTO.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II identified the arrested suspects as embossers Jenard Arida and Arjay Anasco, along with warehouse staff Valeriano Nerizon, all assigned to the Plate Making Plant at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City.
Under the guidance of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, a massive manhunt has been initiated against Allan Joker Abrigo, another LTO employee believed to be the mastermind behind the illicit activities.
Assec Mendoza commended the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division for their relentless efforts in uncovering the wrongdoing. He also expressed gratitude to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr., for swift police assistance.
“We will not tolerate this kind of illegal activity, and we will make sure that those who dare to continue will be caught and held responsible. The arrest of these three people is proof of that,” stated Mendoza.
Collaborating with the DILG and the Philippine National Police, an extensive investigation is now underway to determine the extent of the criminal syndicate involved in the theft of license plates.
The investigation began when the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division received information last year about the possible theft of license plates. Assec Mendoza emphasized the danger posed by the illegal activity, as stolen license plates could be used for criminal purposes.
On January 25, the suspects were caught in the act of stealing license plates from the Plate Making Plant, leading to their immediate arrest. The arrested individuals are now facing charges of Violation of Article 310 (Qualified Theft) and Article 294 (Robbery) of the Revised Penal Code, with administrative charges also set to be filed against them.
Assec Mendoza directed Renante G. Militante to leave no stones unturned in the investigation to determine if the arrested suspects are part of a larger criminal syndicate. “We are now trying to determine how long and how many license plates have been stolen by these errant employees,” added Mendoza.
The investigation has uncovered a grand illegal scheme involving the theft of license plates for newly-acquired motor vehicles through financing. The syndicate operates by providing fraudulent plates and documents to individuals involved in vehicle financing schemes.
Secretary Bautista applauded the LTO officials for uncovering the modus operandi and vowed to continue efforts to eliminate corrupt practices within the agency. Secretary Abalos committed support in the investigation to hold all involved parties accountable for their illegal activities.
The syndicate's intricate scheme involves technical carnapping, where motor vehicles are obtained through financing, and fraudulent documents are used to facilitate the sale of these vehicles. Assec Mendoza stressed the importance of valid identification cards and other supporting documentation in the syndicate's transactions.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities determined to bring all those involved to justice and put an end to this extensive criminal network embedded within the LTO.
Jan 26, 2024
