Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. ordered yesterday an investigation into reports of an extortion racket by CIDG personnel targeting Chinese living in Manila.

According to reports, the CIDG’S Anti-fraud and Commercial Crime Division (AFCCD) recently arrested on Feb. 23 a Chinese man in Ongpin on false drug charges, brought him to Camp Crame, and forced him to pay P1.5 million for his release.

“Those involved in the incident would immediately be administratively relieved from the AFCCD to give way to an impartial investigation and if warranted by the results – a precharged and summary hearing proceedings,” Pagdilao said.

Pagdilao named Chief Su- perintendent Benito Estipona, CIDG deputy director for administration, to head a factfinding investigation to identify the members of AFCCD involved in the incident.

He noted that the AFCCD has become increasingly involved in a series of alleged “irregular” activities, the latest of which is the alleged kidnap of a Chinese businessman in Malabon City.

The CIDG chief ordered a thorough review and assessment of the AFCCD’S morale and efficiency and the leadership qualities of its commanders and sub-commanders for the purpose of instituting drastic reforms, including the complete top-to-bottom overhaul of the division by staffing it with entirely new officers and personnel.