Kim Chiu's sister Lakambini arrested in P44.4-million qualified theft case
Kim Chiu's sister Lakambini was arrested in connection with the actress' P44.4 million qualified theft case against her.
The Quezon City Police District said in a statement that Lakambini was arrested at around 4:06 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, in Mandaluyong.
The bail amount stands at P5,838,000.
On Dec. 2, 2025, Chiu filed a qualified theft complaint against Lakambini related to "serious financial discrepancies" in their joint business venture House of Little Bunny PH.
In a statement, Chiu described her move as "one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life."
"As many know, I built my business ventures—with hard work, passion, and trust in the people I love. Unfortunately, substantial amounts connected to my business assets were found missing. These discoveries forced me to take formal action to protect not just my company, but also the livelihoods of the people who work with me and the integrity of everything I have built,” she continued.
Lakambini was formally charged with 124 counts of qualified theft on Sept. 1.
Per a Philstar.com report on Sept. 12, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City determined there were six elements of qualified theft. It also noted that Lakambini was HOLB PH's co-incorporator and corporate secretary, which supposedly gave her access to the company's joint corporate bank accounts she shared with Chiu.
The resolution noted that "the evidence on record establishes that respondent Lakambini unlawfully took and appropriated corporate funds in the aggregate amount of P44,396,331.65, fully aware that the same did not belong to her."
Lakambini then submitted her statement to the prosecutor's office denying the allegations and claiming she and Chiu agreed to use the bank accounts both for their company's operational expenses and for their other "business ventures."
On Sept. 17, Lakambini broke her silence on the case through her counsel Atty. Dominic Solis.
A statement sent to The Philippine STAR read, "Our client is saddened by her sister's decision to pursue the case but remains hopeful that the matter can still be resolved amicably within the family."
"She will address the charges through the proper legal process," it added.
Kim has yet to publicly comment on the latest development in the case as of writing.
