BIR employee falls for extortion

THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed on Monday the arrest of one of its employees on Valentine’s Day for allegedly extorting money from a business establishment.

In a statement, the BIR said the suspect was arrested in a joint operation by the BIR and officers of the Philippine National Police.

“Reports were received by the BIR of a certain individual that was repeatedly extorting money from a business establishment selling kid’s bikes, under the guise of an official BIR tax compliance verification drive,” it said. “It was not in the official function of this BIR employee to be in the taxpayer’s place of business or vicinity.”

Charges of robbery, grave coercion, and usurpation of official functions have since been leveled against the BIR employee.

The BIR reminded the public that any of its personnel conducting enforcement activities must have a letter of authority or mission order with them.

“Taxpayers can always ask and verify the authority by which a BIR employee is visiting their office or business,” it said. “You can report any individual, whether a BIR employee or a stranger, if he/she cannot show any official document that warrants his/her presence in your business establishment.” — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson