Philippine Beauty Pageant Chairman and BPO Exec Arrested in $44M US Publishing Scam Targeting Elderly Authors!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant development that has sent ripples through both the business and pageantry sectors in the Philippines, Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, a prominent figure in the beauty pageant industry and a top executive of a Cebu-based business process outsourcing (BPO) company, was arrested in December 2024. Sordilla, the founder and CEO of Innocentrix Philippines and chairman of the Hiyas ng Pilipinas beauty pageant, was detained alongside his partner and Innocentrix Philippines' vice president of operations, Bryan Navales Tarosa, in San Diego on December 9, 2024. 

The Alleged Scheme

The duo, along with their associate, Gemma Traya Austin, 58, of Chula Vista, California, are accused of orchestrating a multi-million-dollar book publishing scam targeting elderly authors in the United States. Operating under the guise of PageTurner, Press and Media LLC, the scheme allegedly defrauded over 800 victims of nearly $44 million. The indictment alleges that between September 2017 and December 2024, the defendants used PageTurner to solicit payments from authors for publishing services that were either substandard or never provided. 

Modus Operandi

According to prosecutors, employees of Innocentrix Philippines contacted victims through unsolicited phone calls and emails, convincing them to pay for services such as book promotions and publishing deals. Victims were led to believe that their works would be promoted to major publishers and even adapted into Hollywood films. However, these promises were empty, and the services were either not rendered or were of poor quality. 

Arrests and Charges

Sordilla and Tarosa were arrested on December 9, 2024, in San Diego, while Austin was apprehended on December 12, 2024, in Chula Vista. All three face charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, they could each face up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. 

Impact on the Community

The arrest of Sordilla and Tarosa has shocked the Cebu business community and the Philippine pageantry scene. Hiyas ng Pilipinas, under Sordilla's leadership, has been a significant platform for promoting Filipino beauty and culture. Innocentrix Philippines, on the other hand, has been a notable player in the BPO industry, providing various services to international clients. The company's involvement in such a massive fraud scheme raises concerns about the ethical practices within the industry. 

Authorities' Response

U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "What started with the promise of a Hollywood dream turned into a devastating nightmare for victims." She urged authors to remain vigilant and conduct thorough research before engaging with publishing services. The FBI has seized the PageTurner website (pageturner.us) and is actively seeking information from potential victims. Individuals who believe they have been targeted by this scam are encouraged to contact the FBI at AuthorFraud@fbi.gov. 

Protecting Vulnerable Populations

This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals to sophisticated fraud schemes. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains committed to disrupting and dismantling foreign-based fraud operations that prey on older Americans. Matt Shields, Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s San Diego Field Office, stated, "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service San Diego Mail Fraud Team, along with the FBI San Diego, have worked tirelessly to bring justice to individuals who target, exploit, and victimize our most vulnerable citizens."

Conclusion

The arrest of Michael Cris Traya Sordilla and his associates serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when engaging with service providers, especially in industries susceptible to fraud. It also underscores the need for continuous vigilance and robust legal frameworks to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.

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