The National Bureau of Investigation-Bicol Regional Office arrested a man accused of posing as an Albay Electric Cooperative inspector and using an alleged electricity pilferage scheme to extort money from a consumer.
The suspect was arrested during an entrapment operation on June 18 after the NBI received complaints from ALECO and a consumer about individuals allegedly pretending to be electric cooperative personnel.
According to the NBI, ALECO reported that a group of unidentified men had been visiting consumers while posing as its employees and offering to reduce their monthly electricity bills in exchange for cash.
One consumer told investigators that several men went to her house and claimed they were conducting an inspection for ALECO. They allegedly convinced her to pay ₱1,000 in exchange for lower monthly electricity charges.
The men then allegedly tampered with her electric meter and gave her a Facebook account for further communication.
More than a month later, another man went to the same house and claimed to be an official ALECO inspector. He allegedly told the consumer that he found an illegal bypass wire, or jumper, attached to her electric meter.
The man allegedly prepared a fake inspection report and warned the consumer that she could face criminal charges and heavy fines if the report was submitted to ALECO.
He then allegedly offered to suppress the report in exchange for ₱10,000.
The consumer initially paid ₱1,500, while the suspect allegedly agreed to return later to collect the remaining ₱8,500.
After the encounter, the consumer reported the incident to the NBI.
NBI agents coordinated with ALECO management, which confirmed that no work order, mission order, or authority had been issued for any inspection or anti-pilferage operation at the consumer’s residence.
The NBI-BRO then launched an entrapment operation, leading to the suspect’s arrest at around 8:40 a.m. on June 18.
The suspect is under NBI custody and is facing complaints for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti-Electricity Pilferage Act of 1994, as well as estafa and grave coercion.