A 28-year-old woman is now behind bars following her arrest on Sunday, May 10, 2026, for her alleged involvement in a jewelry scam that defrauded a trader of approximately P800,000. The suspect, identified as Janet Brago, a resident of Barangay Inayawan in Cebu City, was taken into custody by the Carbon Police Station during a follow-up operation.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to police reports, the scam began when a Facebook user using the alias “Maben Theodore,” claiming to be from Manila, placed an order for jewelry from a trader based in Barangay Pahina Central. The buyer allegedly sent a photo showing proof of a check deposit to the trader’s bank account. However, the trader later discovered that the check had bounced, but only after the jewelry had already been released for delivery.
The trader then instructed his pawnshop staff to hold the items, but a delivery rider had already picked up the jewelry. The trader immediately reported the incident to the Carbon Police Station, prompting an investigation.
Investigation Leads to Suspect
Police traced the person who received the items, which led investigators to Brago. Authorities believe Brago is linked to a syndicate that is also facing similar cases in Davao and Manila, involving millions of pesos worth of jewelry. The stolen jewelry had reportedly been shipped to Manila for the fictitious buyer “Maben Theodore.”
Brago remains in police custody as the investigation continues. The Carbon Police Station is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
