Cebuano CEO nabbed for alleged $44-million fraud

Local

A CHAIRMAN of a Cebu-based national beauty pageant and top executives of a local business process outsourcing (BPO) firm are accused of defrauding elderly authors in the United States out of $44 million (over P2.5 billion).

Authorities claimed the scheme promised victims of Hollywood success but delivered financial ruin instead.

Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, chairman of Hiyas ng Pilipinas and CEO of Innocentrix Philippines, and his partner Bryan Navales Tarosa, the company’s vice president of operations, were arrested in San Diego, California, on December 9, 2024.

Three days later, their US associate, Gemma Traya Austin, was apprehended in Chula Vista, California.

Based on several reports, investigators alleged that the trio operated a fraudulent scheme through PageTurner, Press and Media LLC.

From 2017 to 2024, they contacted authors through unsolicited emails and calls, posing as representatives of PageTurner, a publishing company with supposed ties to literary agents, movie studios, and streaming platforms.

Victims were told their books had been selected for adaptation but were required to pay upfront fees for taxes and other expenses.

Instead of receiving the promised deals, victims lost their money to what authorities call a “Hollywood dream turned nightmare.”

The defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as money laundering. If convicted, they could each receive up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $750,000 or more.

Investigations are ongoing under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Sordilla’s involvement has drawn attention not only because of his position as CEO of Innocentrix Philippines but also as chairman of the Hiyas ng Pilipinas national pageant.

The pageant, headquartered in Mandaue City, Cebu, promotes Filipino beauty and culture.

Neither Innocentrix Philippines nor Hiyas ng Pilipinas has issued an official statement regarding the case.

Additionally, Sordilla has deactivated his Facebook account, according to some individuals connected with him on the platform. The pageant's official Facebook page is also now deleted.

Sordilla’s other ventures include the MCS Group of Companies and Serene Oasis Resort in Oslob town, Cebu.(MyTVCebu)