January 9, 2012

 

        The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has foiled an attempt by the primary suspect in a multi-million securities and stocks trading scam to avoid prosecution following his arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) while about to board a flight to New York via Abu Dhabi in the Middle East in late December last year

        Agents from the Anti-Graft Division (AGD) and International Airport Investigation Division (IAID) surprised Marlon Lam See with aliases Mark Lee Santos and Mark Lee See, in his 40s, a Chinese businessman, while about to check-in for his flight. He was serve with an alias warrant of arrest for syndicated estafa with no bail recommended.

        Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima said See duped his victims by almost P1 billion by misrepresenting himself as an expert in stocks and securities trading and promised them speedy return of investment within 2 to 3 weeks plus profit of 30-50%.

        "The ploy is to discourage the victims to withdraw their investment and encourage them to recruit more investors with the lure of good checks representing huge profit and dole outs of expensive car and international trip," De Lima added.

        Among Lee's victims include well-known personalities in the business and showbiz circles. 

        Despite the hold departure order against Lee, he managed to secure a ticket for his aborted flight to New York.

         More and more of his victims are coming at the NBI to file their complaints.

A deeper investigation is still being pursued to determine if Lee has accomplices in his modus operandi.