“King of the Philippines” arrested after alleged investment scam

SEC files complaint against members of the Royal Kingdom of Maharlika group over illegal solicitation.

Filipinos are being warned against high-risk “membership” schemes disguised as investments, as authorities intensify their crackdown on unauthorized solicitation schemes.

This comes after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed charges against the Royal Kingdom of Maharlika Pearl of the Orient Organization Inc. (RKOM), following an operation that led to the arrest of its leader and several associates.

Investigators said the group sold so-called “Yellow” and “Green” cards priced at ₱200 to ₱5,500, promising payouts ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱5 million once the Maharlika leader is declared the “King of the Philippines.”

The royal armed wing

RKOM also enlisted an armed wing, the Royal Vanguard Transnational Intelligence Group Inc., whose members were required to pay ₱5,500 for uniforms and badges to serve as the group’s security personnel.

Members were also enticed with a 2-percent share in an alleged hidden wealth from a “Mother Account” and the fortunes of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

The SEC found that while the organization was registered as a non-stock entity, it lacked the license to solicit investments, making its activities illegal under the securities laws.

RKOM faces complaints filed before the Sta. Rosa, city prosecutor, including violations of the Securities Regulation Code, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The case highlights the risks as more Filipinos seek alternative income sources, with regulators reminding the public to watch out for investment red flags.

 

 

Authorities have arrested the leader of the Royal Kingdom of Maharlika for running an illegal investment scheme that promised multi-million peso payouts linked to mythical “hidden wealth” accounts.

 

 

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