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20 people arrested for online extortion racket in Bulacan

Philippines | Metro Manila

20 people arrested for online extortion racket in Bulacan

By Freddie Velez

The Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) announced the arrest of 20 people allegedly involved in an online extortion racket in Barangay Pinagbakahan, City of Malolos on Thursday, Jan. 25.

cybercrime evidences recovered in Bulacan.jpg — Pieces of evidence were recovered from the arrested 20 individuals involved in cybercrime in Brgy. Pinagbakahan, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Thursday, January 25, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Bulacan PPO)

Based on a report submitted to Col. Relly B. Arnedo, Bulacan police director, joint forces of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Provincial Investigation Team (PIT) Bulacan West-Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 3, Regional Anti-Cyber Unitâ€“3 (RACUâ€“3), and Malolos City Police conducted a raid on the suspects' place of operation in a residential area.

One alias "Jose" and 19 others were caught red-handed operating computers used for extorting money from foreigners.

Police said the modus operandi of the suspects involved threat to disseminate explicit photos and videos unless a ransom is paid.

All suspects are now in police custody and the seized pieces of evidence have been turned over to RACU3 for forensic and digital analysis.

Criminal complaints under Section 4 (c) (1) of Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) are being prepared against the arrested individuals.

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