PNP seeks Interpol red notice for British in P12-M estafa case

MANILA – The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Sunday said it wants the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice against a British national wanted in connection with a P12-million estafa case.

In a letter to Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Ambassador Anthony Alcantara, the PNP-CIDG endorsed the request made by Rheana's Trading, Inc. (RTI) for the issuance of an Interpol red notice against businessman Lavish Mohan Paryani.

RTI, which is engaged in wholesale distribution of electronic parts and communications equipment, filed an estafa case against Paryani.

"This recommendation aligns with the Anti-Money Laundering Act, National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization Act and Human Security Act, which mandate international cooperation to apprehend individuals involved in transnational crimes impacting Philippine entities," PNP-CIDG Acting Director Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said in his letter to Alcantara.

"I respectfully urge the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime to coordinate with Interpol on this matter."

Interpol notices are international requests for cooperation or alerts, allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information.

A red notice is a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action.

Paryani fled the country before the arrest warrant was issued against him and co-accused Regina Reyes by the Regional Trial Court of Pasay City last month.

Reyes, reportedly a former five-star hotel emoloyee, was arrested on Oct. 11.

Authorities said Paryani's last known address was Porter Ranch, California, United States.

The Department of Justice indicted Paryani and Reyes last month for violation of Article 315, Paragraph 2(D) of the Revised Penal Code (estafa). (PNA)