LAKAMBINI “Lakam” Chiu, the eldest sister of actress Kim Chiu, was arrested by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Sunday afternoon, September 20, in Barangay Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City.
The arrest was carried out at approximately 4:06 p.m. pursuant to a warrant issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 84 in connection with 124 counts of qualified theft. The court set recommended bail at ₱5.838 million.
The charges stem from allegations that Lakam unlawfully took corporate funds amounting to ₱44,396,331.65 from House of Little Bunny Philippines, Inc. (HOLB), the leather goods brand co‑owned by both sisters.
The Quezon City Office of the City Prosecutor found sufficient basis to proceed with the cases in a resolution dated September 1, 2026, identifying separate unauthorized withdrawals and online transfers from the company’s bank accounts. Prosecutors noted no board resolution, secretary’s certificate, or other corporate authorization was presented to show Lakam was permitted to use company revenues for personal benefit or investment activities.
Lakam has strongly denied the allegations. In her sworn statement submitted to the prosecutor, she maintained that she served as corporate secretary — not treasurer or general manager — and argued the funds in question were held in joint bank accounts with Kim, rendering the term “unauthorized” inaccurate. She has yet to issue a public statement following her arrest, and the case is expected to proceed through the courts as both sides present their respective evidence.
metrosundaily
