NBI probes into identity of ‘recruiter’ of juvenile models

The National Bureau of Investigation is now trying to unmask the real identity of a Facebook account that has victimized juvenile girls by way of recruiting them into the modeling world.

NBI special investigator Maria Contesa Lastimoso confirmed to The FREEMAN that a mother of one of four Grade 11 senior high students had sought the help of the office after nude photos of her daughter were posted on FB by the alleged recruiter.

The FB handle of the “recruiter” is @ Quinnie Cruz Ramos, who had succeeded in enticing the girl to become a model for a good pay. The girl was first asked to send headshots, then photos of her wearing gowns and with make-up.

But the third requirement was for her to submit nude photos in different positions and a one-night stand in a motel to be booked by the victim herself.

To her dismay and surprise, the FB account of @Quinnie Cruz Ramos had warned them that, if they fail to send money, the nude photos that were submitted to the “recruiter” will be posted in the social media. This prompted one of the girls to produce P30,000. The “recruiter” also added the friends of the minor on FB.

The NBI agent said the girl’s mother went to the police, which in turn referred it to the NBI. An entrapment was then planned but the “recruiter” did not show up.

Three months later, or in April this year, the same FB handler had chats with another “victim,” this time, a 23-year-old woman from Tanjay City in Negros Oriental.

The woman, who refused to be identified, said she first refused the offer initially, but the “recruiter” persisted and so she decided to give it a try. However she discovered later that she was being blackmailed that, if she will not send money, her nude photos will be published in the social media for her friends to see.

Lastimoso said the case was reported to the Department of Information and Communications Technology, but the FB account was already deactivated and that it became technically difficult to look for the administrator and trace the account identity.

The public is now warned from dealing with anybody on FB because of possibilities that they may dealing with trolls and fake accounts, Lastimoso said, adding that if deceit and fraud can prosper in a face to face transaction, the more that it can be done online.

She also advised “lovers” not to keep nude photos of their partners, including sex videos because when rough times result in separation, there is a tendency for one to take advantage of the situation.

Lastimoso disclosed the NBI office in Negros Oriental has received a number of complaints about nude photos and sex scandals of ex-girlfriends being sent to friends on FB, for extortion purposes and then shared by the rest. This is in violation of Republic Act 9995 otherwise known as the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism law.

The latest victim is filing three cases against a certain Quennie Cruz Ramos for violation of RA 9995, including RA 10175 or the Cyber Crime Prevention Act of 2012 and grave threats under the Revised Penal Code.