Real Estate Agents Apprehended in Cebu City Over Alleged P3 Million Land Fraud
In a significant law enforcement operation, two real estate agents were successfully apprehended by the Mabolo Police Station on January 16, 2026. The arrest followed a meticulously planned entrapment conducted within an establishment located in Barangay Luz, Cebu City. The suspects now face serious legal consequences for their alleged involvement in a deceptive scheme targeting a local businessman.
Details of the Arrest and Suspect Profiles
The individuals taken into custody have been identified under the aliases Apple, a 40-year-old divorced businesswoman, and Phil, a 55-year-old man. Both suspects are residents of Santo Niño Village in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City. Following their arrest, they were promptly detained as authorities proceed with the investigation into the fraudulent activities that led to their capture.
Victim's Account and Initial Transaction
The case unfolded when a 30-year-old businessman, referred to as Ken and residing in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, filed a formal complaint with the Mabolo Police. According to Ken's testimony, he initially engaged the suspects in November 2025 during a meeting in Manila. At that time, he entrusted them with processing the title transfer for a piece of land he had purchased, aiming to expedite the legal procedures.
In good faith, Ken provided a processing fee of P200,000 to the agents, believing they would facilitate the transfer efficiently. However, upon returning to Cebu, he made a shocking discovery while browsing social media.
Discovery of the Online Scam
While scrolling through Facebook, Ken encountered a post where the very same agents were advertising his property for online sale at a staggering price of P3 million. This unauthorized listing prompted immediate suspicion and led Ken to devise a strategic plan to expose the fraud.
He created a dummy account under a different name to initiate contact with the sellers, expressing interest in purchasing the property. Through negotiations, they agreed to meet at a mall situated in Barangay Luz, Cebu City, setting the stage for the police intervention.
Execution of the Entrapment Operation
Ken sought police assistance to orchestrate an entrapment operation, which was successfully carried out, resulting in the arrest of the two agents. During the operation, authorities examined the documents presented by the suspects and determined that the identification cards they carried were counterfeit.
Further investigation revealed additional distressing details for the victim. It was uncovered that Ken's property had been mortgaged to a lending company for P400,000 without his knowledge, compounding the financial implications of the scam.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Proceedings
The complainant has formally filed charges against the two real estate agents, including estafa for the fraudulent scheme and falsification of public documents due to the fake IDs. This case highlights the risks associated with property transactions and underscores the importance of vigilance in real estate dealings.
As the legal process advances, authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the agents' activities, emphasizing the commitment to combating fraud in Cebu's real estate sector.
