Online trader nabbed for selling overpriced thermal scanners

CEBU, Philippines — An online seller was arrested in an entrapment operation yesterday in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City for allegedly selling overpriced thermal scanners amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Seized from the suspect, John Michael Monfero Abuton,31, a resident of Barangay Agus in Lapu-Lapu City, were 12 units of non- contact IR thermometer, and 10 units of digital fieber thermometer.

The confiscated items were valued at around P60,000.

Police Colonel Carlito Baja, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO) director, said the suspect sold each scanner at P5,000, way higher than the suggested retail price of P2,000, through social media.

Abuton told police that he also bought the scanners via online.

He also claimed that the Philippine Red Cross ordered the scanners from him.

Samples of confiscated thermometers were submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for product verification and examination to determine if the items are geniune.

Baja said the operation was part of their intensified intelligence monitoring over overpriced personal protective equipment and other health tools.

Abuton’s arrest came after three other online traders got arrested in separate operations in Cebu City for selling overpriced thermal scanners.  KQD (FREEMAN)