The Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, led the arrest of a Customs broker and her cohort involved in an extortion activity targeting a local freight forwarder.

The CIIS-MICP joined the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Divison (NBI-AOTCD) in proceeding at Maku Coffee in Ermita, Manila, to arrest Customs broker Wyeth Lara Navales and her sister, Leila Lara Navales.

The two attempted to extort Kenji Otsuka of Otsuka Freight Forwarders Co., Ltd. by demanding an additional P1.9 million, supposedly as “grease money,” for the BOC.

BOC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso said that the prompt response of the BOC and the NBI was critical to the Navales’ subsequent arrest only a day after Otsuka filed a complaint.

“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. 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,” he shared.

Citing the complaint, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said that Otsuka has already paid Wyeth P500,000 as an “all-inclusive engagement fee” that includes the broker’s fee and customs duties and taxes.

“But upon arrival of the shipment, this certain Wyeth allegedly told the complainant that the shipment was on hold and would be subjected to a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) unless the complainant, this Otsuka, pays an additional P1.9 million,” the Deputy Commissioner added.

The broker claimed that the money would act as “grease money” for various offices that would issue the release of Otsuka’s shipment from being on hold.

Wyeth also issued an “ultimatum” or deadline of June 3, 2025, to the complainant, saying that his shipment would be subjected to a WSD after the said date lapsed.

While BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio lamented how Navales victimized Otsuka, he also lauded the arrest as it might finally shed light on how brokers have been namedropping BOC officers to extort money from other stakeholders.

“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,” he 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,” Commissioner Rubio added.

Navales and her sister will face charges of Robbery with Violence or Intimidation of Persons by Way of Extortion under the Revised Penal Code.

After their arrest, they were brought to the NBI-OTCD office for booking procedures and will undergo inquest proceedings.