MANILA—Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD) arrested three individuals in an entrapment operation for allegedly selling stolen imported frozen meat products.

The suspects were identified as Rhea S. Rivera, Mia Lyn Cunanan, and Rodel C. Deniega. They were apprehended for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law of 1979) in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

The operation stemmed from a complaint about the loss of a container loaded with imported frozen beef shanks worth between PHP 5 million and PHP 6.9 million. The complainant traced portions of the missing shipment being sold online through the social media account “Kaye’s Imported Cold Cuts” and at BMR Frozen Meat Products Trading (BMR) in Cubao, Quezon City.

On August 22, NBI agents, together with the complainant, placed an order at BMR for 30 boxes of Beef Forequarter Shin Shanks and 7 boxes of Hind Shanks, amounting to PHP 133,884.40. After the marked money was received and the meat products confirmed as part of the stolen shipment, the agents arrested the three suspects.

Rivera received the marked money, Cunanan acted as cashier, while Deniega released the meat products. Authorities also seized 37 boxes of meat and six cellular phones allegedly used in the operation.

The suspects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City. Also facing charges are Michelle Rivera Melendrez, registered owner of BMR, and Kaye Daniega, owner of the social media account selling the stolen meat products.