PASAY CITY — A national-level fugitive accused of orchestrating a massive investment scam involving cryptocurrency was arrested during a manhunt operation conducted by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Pasay City Police Station on the afternoon of March 10, 2026, authorities confirmed.
The suspect, identified by police only as “Mark,” a 37-year-old married businessman and resident of Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, was apprehended at around 2:17 p.m. in Barangay 76, Zone 10, Pasay City. Authorities said the arrest was carried out by the CIDG’s Detection and Special Operations Unit (DSOU) based on multiple warrants of arrest issued by courts in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, and Zamboanga City between 2019, 2020, and 2025.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director PMGen. Robert A.A. Morico II, the suspect is listed as a National Most Wanted Person and carries a ₱400,000 reward under a memorandum circular issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Facing 22 Criminal Charges
Police said the accused is facing a total of 22 criminal counts, including:
- 12 counts of Syndicated Estafa
- 2 counts of Large-Scale Swindling
- 2 counts of Estafa in relation to Presidential Decree No. 1689
- 8 counts of Violation of Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code
Of the total charges filed against him, 10 counts are non-bailable, according to CIDG.
Authorities believe the suspect was the founder of a trading club launched in Cagayan de Oro City on July 8, 2018, which allegedly enticed investors to pour money into “Ploutos Coin,” a digital currency promoted as a cryptocurrency similar to Bitcoin.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly promised investors huge returns, convincing many to invest substantial sums of money into the scheme.
SEC Warning Ignored
However, just days after the trading club’s launch at a mall in Cagayan de Oro City, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued an advisory warning the public that the entity behind the investment program was not registered with the commission and had no license to solicit investments from the public.
Despite the warning, the operation reportedly continued and attracted thousands of investors across Visayas and Mindanao, with the largest concentration of victims in Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga.
Investigators said the scale of the alleged scam was massive, involving millions of pesos in investments from thousands of members and victims.
Among those who reportedly invested in the scheme were retired and active police officers, many of whom allegedly poured their life savings into the cryptocurrency-based investment program.
Intensified Manhunt Operations
The successful arrest was part of CIDG’s intensified manhunt campaign in line with the program thrust of Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., to pursue fugitives and individuals facing serious criminal charges.
CIDG leadership commended PLtCol. Gene M. Licud, chief of the CIDG Detection and Special Operations Unit, and his team for the successful operation that led to the capture of the alleged swindler.
“The arrest underscores the unit’s relentless efforts in tracking down fugitives and its commitment to help victims attain the justice they deserve,” CIDG officials said.
CIDG Vows to Continue Pursuit of Fugitives
The CIDG reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that fugitives are held accountable for their crimes.
“The CIDG assures the public that the group remains steadfast in enforcing the law and unyielding in pursuing and capturing criminals and most wanted persons across the country,” the agency said in a statement.
Authorities are now preparing for the suspect’s court proceedings, while victims of the alleged investment scam are expected to pursue their cases as the legal process moves forward.