Large-scale estafa, other charges await Kapa officials

ON TOP of the charges being prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), large-scale estafa charges will be filed by the Department of Justice against the founder and other officers of religious group Kapa-Community Ministry International Inc. for perpetrating the biggest investment scam in the country.

Authorities on Tuesday, June 11, also called on members of Kapa to come forward and file separate complaints.

About a third, or 13, of more than 40 Kapa offices in key cities across the country as well as the residence of Kapa founder Pastor Joel Apolinario were simultaneously raided by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday, June 10, on the strength of a search warrant

issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court.

Bundles of banknotes and various documents were seized from Kapa offices in Cagayan Valley, Quezon City, Taytay Rizal, Cebu City, Tacloban City, Tagum City, Cagayan de Oro City and three areas in General Santos City including the residences of its founder Joel Apolinario.

NBI Deputy Director for regional operations Antonio Pagatpat said they have not determined the total amount of bills found in Kapa offices as they have yet to finish their inventory.

He said these will form part of the evidence against Kapa. Also seized during the raids were some equipment.