FRAUDSTER ARRESTED. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) apprehended a man, known as alias Simeon, inside a hotel in Pasay City on February 27, 2025. Simeon, who falsely claimed to be an ‘undersecretary’, was using the First Family’s name to deceive individuals into believing he could sway government procurement decisions for a commission. (Photo courtesy of CIDG)
MANILA – The CIDG has detained a 49-year-old man, alias Simeon, for exploiting the First Family’s name in a scheme to defraud people over government contracts. The arrest took place in a Pasay City hotel, following a warrant issued by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 160 on July 22, 2024.
During a press conference at Camp Crame, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III revealed that Simeon, a resident of Doña Juana Subdivision in Barangay Rosario, Pasig City, was previously employed by the First Family. He now poses as an ‘undersecretary’ to trick people into paying him a 3 to 5 percent commission on government contracts, promising to influence procurement outcomes.
Torre stated, ‘He presents himself as a Usec and sells alleged government contracts, demanding a 3-5 percent commission. He has already victimized others who have filed complaints against him.’ He added that during the arrest, Simeon was dressed in a respectable piña barong at a five-star hotel, emphasizing that such actions are not condoned by the First Family.
After posting a PHP90,000 bail, Simeon faces additional complaints from the Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes (OSETC). Torre encouraged other victims to come forward and assured that the CIDG would continue to pursue individuals involved in similar fraudulent activities.
He warned the public, ‘We want to alert everyone that there might be others out there selling government contracts and claiming government connections. Do not fall for it. The government will not tolerate such actions.’ (PNA)