TURKEY – Seven Filipinos were identified to be the suspect behind the stealing incident involving a Diamond-Emerald Necklace costing US $1 million.
The incident had took place at the 32nd Jewelry Expo held in Istanbul, and out of the 7 suspect, there were six who were identified: : Armando Fajardo, Cesar Galvez, Herbie Cruz, Edgardo Ramos, Janice Apostol and Rosita Panlilio.
The said jewelry was taken in the booth of Zela Jeweler. Based on the investigations conducted, it was found out that the suspects had just arrived in Istanbul and went back again to the Philippines after they had taken the jewelry.
According to investigation, the group used the modus operandi of using the third person to convert the attention of the employee’s in the booth to get the chance of taking the item without being noticed. It was reported that the two women who were part of the group distracted the security personnel with the used of entrance-exit routine via the checkpoints held by the security in charge.
As a result of the said incident, Turkish immigrations were tightening their procedures and policies in allowing other nationalities especially for Filipinos upon entering their territory.
The officials of both countries were taking measures in order to capture the suspects.