Tough task tracking down Manila conmen

KUALA LUMPUR: There has been little success by the Philippines authorities in nailing Manila's groups of con artist dubbed the Ativan Gang as they cover their tracks to evade detection very well.
According to Philippines news sources, the Ativan Gang groups have been carrying out their activities for more than 10 years, mainly in Manila.
The latest reported case published in Philippines news portals was that of Portugese sketch artist Luis Simoes who lost PHP40,000 (RM3,750) and other valuables to the conmen during his trip to Manila last week.
He was befriended by two women who subsequently introduced him to several people claiming to be their relatives.
They took him out for rounds of beer and dinner at a bar before he passed out and found himself with hangover in a hostel room in Makati City.
He lost his debit cards and valuables but his cellphone and camera were intact.
Simoes, 36, whose plan to travel five continents in five years on a shoestring budget was widely publicised in Portugal, had managed to retrieve a selfie he took with the group which he handed over to the police. He later found out his debit cards were used by the group.
"I just saw a truth about Manila. They said they were visiting the city. One of them asked me if I wanted to follow them in their little tour around the town. They seemed so friendly and nice. I felt there was sympathy and a good vibe. You wouldn't suspect they had bad intentions." Simoes was quoted as saying to the Inquirer after lodging a police report.
A Philippine police officer was quoted saying in the reports that catching Ativan Gang members could be difficult because the victims would not remain in the country.
"Police will not pursue the case because the victims had to leave the country, even though they made a report. Because of this, most of the cases against the gang were often dismissed," he said.