By Betheena Unite
Over a thousand skimming devices used in committing cyber crimes and fraud have been seized over the past months at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Bureau of Customs said.
(BOC / MANILA BULLETIN)
A total of 1,110 skimming devices were intercepted by the Customs X-ray Inspection Project over the last seven months at the airport’s three terminals.
Thirteen apprehensions have been recorded from December 16, 2017, to June 1, 2018, Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.
The devices were brought in by passengers coming from China, Taiwan, Hongkong, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the Customs chief furthered. They come in set, mostly containing one-time password card (OTP), sim cards, bank cards, mobile phones, rubber stamps, ATM pins, and other Chinese-scribed documents.
“These set of gadgets are used in committing cyber crimes and other bank frauds using online bank transactions. It can steal and clone the data which often results to money laundering by transferring money online thru bank to bank transactions,” Lapeña said.
Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 has prohibited the use of unauthorized access devices and the unlawful manufacture and distribution of the access device.
Meanwhile, a total of 111 pairs of original rubber shoes worth P7 million were found in 15 balikbayan boxes also in NAIA.
The shipment came from Italy and is consigned to Associated Freight Consolidators, the same consignee of the seized Goree products.
Brands included are Nike Airmax DLX, Airmax 1/97 VF SW, Nike Vapormax FK, Adidas Yeezy Powerhouse CG6420, Adidas PW Holi NMD MC, Vans Era 95 DX, Balenciaga sneakers, Air Jordan 1 Retro, and used Nike sneakers.
“It was discovered by the customs examiners after it passed through x-ray machines,” Lapeña said.
The seized goods will undergo seizure and forfeiture proceedings in accordance with Section 400, 1113, and 1117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.