MANILA, Philippines — Authorities on Tuesday, June 3, arrested a Customs broker and her sister in an entrapment operation for allegedly extorting nearly P2 million from a local freight forwarder under the guise of “grease money” for the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), along with the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-AOTCD), apprehended Customs broker Wyeth Lara Navales and her sister Leila Lara Navales at Maku Coffee in Ermita, Manila.

The two allegedly demanded an additional P1.9 million from Kenji Otsuka, owner of Otsuka Freight Forwarders Co., Ltd., to facilitate the release of his shipment. This was on top of the P500,000 that Otsuka had already paid as an “all-inclusive engagement fee” covering broker services, duties, and taxes.

“It was to my understanding that the complainant was given only until June 3, 2025 to produce an additional P1.9 million on top of the P500,000 that was already previously paid for Otsuka’s shipment,” said CIIS Director Verne Enciso. “Even though the complaint was only filed on June 2, 2025, we needed to act fast in just a day to conduct the entrapment operation because there was a so-called deadline from the suspects.”

According to BOC Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy, Wyeth Navales had warned Otsuka that his shipment would be held and subjected to a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) if he failed to pay the amount by the June 3 deadline.

The suspect allegedly claimed the money was intended as grease money for various offices to release the shipment, a claim officials later said was part of a scam to extort money.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio condemned the incident and praised the quick response of law enforcement.

“This has been a long-time modus among deceitful individuals transacting with BOC. They would extort money from unwary importing companies and individuals, claiming that the money would be used as ‘padulas (grease)’ but then pocketing that money. These individuals have villainized the agency for their own gain,” Rubio said.

“I wholeheartedly support missions and operations like these so these individuals can face the consequences of their actions, so our officers can regain their reputation, and so no company or individual who is making an honest living will fall victim to them again,” he added.

The Navales sisters are facing charges of Robbery with Violence or Intimidation of Persons by Way of Extortion under the Revised Penal Code. They were brought to the NBI-AOTCD for booking and will undergo inquest proceedings.