Chinese Arrested in Online Lending Scam, Sending Coffins and Funeral Flowers to Borrowers Who Missed Payments

Online Lending Scam Exposed: NBI Arrests Owner for Harassment and Threats

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has made a significant breakthrough by arresting the owner of an online lending application, 24H PESO, accused of employing extreme tactics such as sending coffins and funeral flowers to borrowers who missed payments. This arrest comes after numerous reports of harassment and threats from distressed borrowers.

Victims Speak Out

One victim, Nanay (Mother) Teresita, recounted her troubling experience:

"Pinag-umura nila ako. Tapos kung ano na po sinabi sa akin. Ayan po yung pagdadalaan daw ako ng kabaong. Pero bayad naman po ako."

("They mocked me. They said they would send a coffin. But I had already paid.")

Despite having repaid her loan, Teresita faced ongoing harassment, including threats of receiving a coffin. Her initial loan amount of PHP 3,500 resulted in receiving only PHP 1,900, yet the threats persisted even after she had settled her debt.

NBI's Operation

The NBI’s successful operation led to the arrest of Mi Duan, a Chinese national operating out of Pasay City. Duan is the owner of the 24H PESO investment loan company, along with five other lending firms. According to NBI officials:

"Nagpapautang and then pagka hindi ka nakabayad or kahit nakabayad ka na, maraming pananakot ang gagawin sa iyo."

("They offer loans and then if you can't pay or even if you have paid, they will continue to threaten you.")

It was discovered that Duan employed Filipinos to carry out these threats, and these employees themselves faced verbal and physical abuse if they failed to meet their daily collection targets.

Ongoing Investigations and Additional Findings

The NBI is now investigating the additional lending applications connected to Duan. They are also examining the company’s computers, suspecting the presence of malware designed to extract personal data from app users.

Duan faces multiple charges in the Pasay City Regional Trial Court and will remain in NBI custody.