De Lima orders to check if pyramid scam suspect still in PH

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regional Director Atty. Lindeza Rogero-Gavino talk with the 3 of the victims of Aman Futures Group Philippines Inc that visited her office. CDN/LITO TECSON

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has ordered the Bureau of Immigration to check if those involved in the P12-billion pyramid scam remained in the country.

“Pinapa check ko na kung may nakalabas na ng bansa and kung may nakalabas na, anong countries para immediately we can invoke our existing bilateral agreements like MLAT (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty),” De Lima told reporters in a chance interview at the Department of Justice before she left for Malacanang.

De Lima said she would issue a Department Order to create a fact finding body to investigate the case.

“We hope to file a case in court before end of this year,” De Lima said.

The NBI identified the company involved in the scam as Aman Futures Group Phils. Inc., a company allegedly managed by a former janitor and driver. It has allegedly victimized at least 15,000 people in Mindanao and the Visayas.