CIDG: 3 nabbed over alleged 'paihi' fuel scheme in Navotas

Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested three men allegedly involved in an illegal “paihi” fuel scheme in Navotas City, police said Monday.

At a press briefing, CIDG National Capital Region chief Police Colonel John Guiagui said the operation was conducted at around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran.

“The other day, we caught a paihi scheme in Navotas where we confiscated evidence worth more or less P7 million, including more than 20,000 litres of diesel products and the vehicles they were using,” Guiagui said.

A “paihi” scheme is a form of fuel pilferage in which petroleum products are illegally transferred from large tankers, trucks or other storage facilities into smaller containers or vehicles for unauthorized sale or distribution.

The operation resulted in the arrest of three male suspects and the confiscation of petroleum products, storage tanks, tanker trucks and other pieces of evidence with an estimated total value of P6.66 million.

According to the CIDG, the suspects were caught allegedly selling and trading petroleum products without the necessary permits and authority from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Guiagui said the suspects used makeshift facilities and containers, including drums and buckets, to transfer and sell petroleum products.

He said the activity not only violates the law but also poses serious risks to public safety and the environment because petroleum products are stored and handled in unsafe conditions.

Guiagui said investigators are looking into the possible involvement of other individuals, including local officials or police personnel who may have been providing protection to the illegal operation.