Syndicated estafa raps filed vs KAPA execs

MANILA, Philippines — The founder and 13 other officials of Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. were charged yesterday with syndicated estafa over an alleged investment scam.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed the complaint against KAPA founder Joel Apolinario, Nonita Urbano, Junnie Apolinario, Nelia Niño, Maria Pella Sevilla, Jouelyn del Castillo, Cristobal Barabad, Joji Jusay, Reyna Apolinario, Modie Dagala, Benigno Tipan Jr., Marnilyn Maturan, Ricky Taer and Margie Danao.

The NBI said the other respondents are officers of KAPA offices in Sarangani, Quezon City and Taytay, Rizal, who “directly transacted” with the investors.

It was the first syndicated estafa case, a non-bailable offense, filed against officials of the religious organization.

The NBI also filed charges for violation of Republic Act 8799 or the Securities and Regulation Code against the respondents.

The Securities and Exchange Commission had earlier filed a similar complaint against the KAPA officials.

The NBI said its investigation showed that KAPA was engaged in a Ponzi-type scheme.

“KAPA employed deceit through Ponzi scheme in its ... activities. KAPA solicits or collects investment from the public in the guise of donations and grants interest equivalent to 30 percent of the investment in the guise of blessings after a month,” the complaint read.

The NBI cited the affidavits of three complainants – Virginia Ampo, Kim Ampo, and Judith Lechido – who said they invested P500,000, P45,000, and P30,000, respectively, after being promised that they would earn a “monthly lifetime interest” equivalent to 30 percent of the amount of their investments.

The NBI said it verified the scam by deploying its agents who posed as investors, inspected KAPA offices and secured the affidavits of witnesses.