Filipino execs face charges for $44 million book publishing fraud
 
 
 
 
 
 

Filipino executives face charges for $44 million book publishing fraud

Cebu-based executives arrested in the US for an alleged scam targeting elderly authors
/ 10:33 PM January 21, 2025

Innocentrix Philippines executives charged for book publishing fraud

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. 

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

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. 

ADVERTISEMENT

The 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.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 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.

You may like: Fake European noble to plead guilty to scam targeting elderly Fil-Ams

Don't miss out on the latest news and information.
TAGS: crime, scams, Trending, US attorney’s office
For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.




This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.