NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation agents arrested alleged sextortionist during an entrapment operation in Quezon City.
The NBI-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) identified the suspect as James Kenneth Pelaez, who now faces charges for violating Article 286 (Grave Coercion) of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 9995 (Anti Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009), in connection with the Cybercrime law.
The operation was initiated based on a complaint lodged by the victim, who reported encountering the suspect on a website and social media platform Instagram.
Allegedly, a romantic relationship developed between the complainant and the suspect, despite never having met in person. As part of their interaction, they agreed to engage in a naked video call.
However, the complainant’s ordeal took a nightmarish turn when the suspect threatened to disseminate her explicit videos online unless she engaged in sexual activities with a “random individual.”
Fearing the consequences, the complainant reluctantly acquiesced and agreed to meet the suspect at a motel in Quezon City on June 7, 2023.
But prior to the scheduled encounter, the complainant promptly sought assistance from the NBI-CCD, which wasted no time in devising an entrapment operation.
Collaborating closely, NBI-CCD operatives and the complainant positioned themselves strategically within the designated motel.
As the complainant entered the designated room and awaited the arrival of the supposed “random individual,” an unexpected revelation unfolded.
The arriving person disclosed his true identity as suspect Pelaez, confirming the complainant’s suspicions. In response, the complainant discreetly signaled the operatives, who swiftly apprehended the suspect.
Following his arrest, the suspect was transported to the Office of the City Prosecutor-Quezon City for further legal proceedings.
