Ex-model arrested for selling Covid rapid test kits

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 06:28 am

MANILA  – Former model Avi Siwa was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday for the unauthorized selling of COVID-19 rapid test kits worth Php 70,000.

Avigail Siwa was nabbed by the Agents of NBI at an entrapment operation in Manila after a businesswoman Jessielyn Fernando reported her for estafa. She allegedly paid Siwa P4.4 million as downpayment for 10,000 sacks of rice that was not delivered. Siwa reportedly tried to sell her personal protective equipment and rice.

According to FDA, test kits are strictly for medical use only and “should be strictly distributed to appropriate establishments or institutions”. Only medical doctor or healthcare workers are allowed to administer tests.

Siwa posted an advertisement on social media that she was selling a couple of COVID-19 rapid test kits for a “home service COVID testing.” The former model will face charges of estafa and violation of the FDA act.