Cybercrime syndicates have been taking advantage of the strict security rules of condominium buildings and gated subdivisions in the conduct of their illegal activities as part of their modus operandi, an official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Col. Jay Guillermo, chief of the Cyber Response Unit of the PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group, said this is one of the difficulties they are facing in running after cybercrime syndicates operating in the country, including those engaged in love scams.

“When we conducted in the past, we found out that part of the love scam was the setting up of a call center-like office. They are renting in big condominiums and subdivisions where policemen could not easily enter,” said Guillermo.

“While we are conducting the investigation, our fear is that by the time we are able to comply with the requirements for the conduct investigation inside, our targets are already gone,” he added.

Guillermo said the PNP-ACG’s hands are tied with that kind of set up, especially that there is no specific law that may be used to run after the owners of condo units and houses in subdivisions that were used for illegal activities.

He explained that any law that would hold the owners of property owners accountable if they were used in illegal activities is another added boost to the law enforcement capabilities of the government.

Guillermo then urged proper owners to be responsible in renting their areas, especially condo units and houses in subdivisions.

One of the red flags, according to Guillermo, is if those who wish to rent would be able to pay instant cash for long-term rent of a place.

“As property owners, they should conduct a screening process, they should know what’s happening and what the people who rent their places are doing,” said Guillermo.

Such a strict vetting process is not usually observed or being disregarded in the absence of a law relating to it, according to Guillermo.