Authorities arrested a family driver on May 9 after he allegedly stole luxury items worth ₱640,000 and attempted to sell them through an online marketplace.
Col. Joselito De Sesto, chief of the Pasay City Police, identified the suspect as “Muel,” 38, a family driver and resident of Pleasant Ville Subdivision in Talipapa, San Bartolome, Quezon City.
He was arrested following a complaint filed by a businesswoman, “Nila,” 48, who resides at Somerset Mansion Tower 1 on Leveriza Street in Barangay 19, Pasay City.
De Sesto said Nila’s son discovered that a Panerai Submersible Carbotech wristwatch worth about ₱600,000 and a Hermès Clic H bracelet valued at ₱40,000 were missing.
According to police, while searching online selling platforms, the victim’s son found a post offering a Hermès Clic H bracelet on the page “LV Chanel Hermès Philippines Buy and Sell.”
In the comments section, he noticed a certain “Muel” expressing interest in selling the item. He then contacted the seller through online messaging.
During the conversation, the suspect allegedly sent photos of the bracelet, including one showing the interior armrest of the family’s vehicle, which the victim immediately recognized.
This raised suspicion that the seller was their family driver.
Police said Nila confronted the suspect after being informed by her son.
During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly admitted his involvement and voluntarily returned the missing Hermès bracelet.
However, he failed to return the Panerai wristwatch, claiming it had already been sold.
The victim immediately sought police assistance, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
He is currently detained at the police custodial facility and faces qualified theft charges. (Jean Fernando)
