Pinoy on FBI Most Wanted list ‘partially paralyzed’ – family
MANILA, Philippines — The family of Rey Grabato II, a Filipino national wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for alleged fraud, revealed that he is currently recovering from a severe stroke that has left him partially paralyzed.
The statement, issued by Grabato's younger brother, Christopher Grabato, said Rey, the namesake of Mina, Iloilo Mayor Rey Grabato, is currently in a medical condition that severely limits his mobility, communication, and cognitive functions as he remains under ongoing medical care.
"We also wish to inform the public that Mr. Grabato is presently recovering from a severe stroke. As a consequence of his medical condition, he is currently partially paralyzed and continues to experience significant limitations in his mobility, communication, and cognitive functioning," Christopher’s statement read.
He also said that neither Grabato nor his legal representatives have been formally served with official documents by either Philippine or United States authorities as of Aug. 14, 2026.
"In light of the fact that no official notice or legal process has been served upon Mr. Grabato or his representatives, we consider it inappropriate at this time to speculate on, debate, or publicly litigate the substance of the allegations appearing in media and social media reports," Christopher’s statement read.
He added that should formal legal notices be served, the matter will be handled through proper legal channels with legal counsel.
“We further emphasize that allegations, an indictment, or the filing of criminal charges do not constitute a finding of guilt. Mr. Grabato remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless and until guilt is established in accordance with law before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
The FBI announced on Thursday, August 13 (Philippine time), that Rey Grabato II has been placed on its Most Wanted Fraudsters list.
He faces federal charges that include securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit both securities and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to defraud the United States regarding tax obligations.
In a separate statement, Christopher said that federal prosecutors in US charging documents described Grabato as a "stand-in CEO" who took directions from Thomas Nicholas Salzano, the individual identified as the actual operational head running National Realty Investment Advisors’ (NRIA) day-to-day business behind the scenes.
Financial publication Barron's also reported that federal prosecutors characterized Grabato’s leadership role at NRIA as merely "titular."
"Mr. Grabato was deeply loyal to Mr. Salzano, trusted his judgment, and was accustomed to acting upon his directions," Christopher said.
“In light of the US government’s own description of Mr. Salzano’s concealed control over NRIA, the family is concerned that Mr. Grabato’s loyalty, trust, and deference may have been exploited, leaving him with the title and public exposure associated with leadership while another individual exercised the actual control behind the scenes,” he added.
Christopher further noted that Salzano subsequently pleaded guilty to securities fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, serving a 12-year prison sentence after admitting he acted as NRIA’s "shadow chief executive officer" and "de facto head."
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