The suspects include Hiyas ng Pilipinas Chairman Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, CEO of Innocentrix Philippines and Bryan Navales Tarosa, vice president of operations. FILE PHOTO
A fraudulent scheme that tricked elderly authors into paying fees for fake book-to-film deals has led to the arrest of three individuals, including two executives of a Cebu-based outsourcing company.
The scam allegedly stole nearly $44 million (about ₱2.5 billion) from over 800 victims across the United States, according to the US Attorney’s Office.
The suspects include Hiyas ng Pilipinas Chairman Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, CEO of Innocentrix Philippines and Bryan Navales Tarosa, vice president of operations.
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Both Filipinos were arrested in San Diego on Dec. 9, 2024. A third suspect, Gemma Traya Austin, connected to PageTurner, Press and Media LLC in Chula Vista, California, was arrested on Dec. 12.
Investigators allege that between 2017 and 2024, the suspects operated a fraudulent book publishing scheme using PageTurner as a front.
Innocentrix Philippines employees reportedly contacted elderly authors through unsolicited calls and emails, claiming that publishers and filmmakers were interested in adapting their books into blockbuster movies or TV series.
slot machine casino games ADVERTISEMENTThe authors were then pressured to pay various fees, such as pre-payment of taxes or transaction costs, under false pretenses.
Prosecutors say the suspects exploited the victims’ trust and aspirations, resulting in significant financial losses.
“They convinced victims their works were being scouted for major projects, but it was all lies,” authorities stated.
ADVERTISEMENTThe FBI has since shut down the PageTurner website (pageturner.us) as part of the investigation.
Sordilla, who also runs other businesses under the MCS Group of Companies and chairs the national pageant Hiyas ng Pilipinas, and his co-accused face charges of mail and wire fraud and money laundering.
If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison for each charge, along with substantial fines.
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