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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NBI arrests 5 foreigners, 24 Filipinos 'engaged in online scamming' in Cavite

NBI arrests 5 foreigners, 24 Filipinos 'engaged in online scamming' in Cavite

Published Aug 13, 2024 06:04 am

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has shut down a scam hub in a residential area in Kawit, Cavite where it arrested five foreigners and 24 Filipinos who are suspected to be previously employed by a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago presented to the media on Tuesday, August 13, those arrested by operatives of the NBI Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) during the service of Warrants to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) last Friday, August 9, at four residential houses in Grand Centennial Subdivision in Kawit, Cavite.

“We were able to catch them in flagrante delicto (caught in the act),” said Santiago, a the former trial court judge and a police officer.

He said those arrested were involved in scamming activities such as romance scams, investment scams, crypto scams, impersonation scams, and credential stuffing.

The arrested foreigners were identified by Santiago as Chinese nationals Shang Guan Jian Bao, Guan Pei Hong, and Masi Yi, and Malaysian nationals Jenny Tan Sue Tzen and Kong Yee Xin.

He identified the 24 Filipinos as Marrione Martinez, Jessable Nolla, Michelle Laureno, Eva Lou Cabias, John Kenneth Lalbres, Randell P. Booc, Jayson Lumbocan, Kenneth Habres, Ron Daniel Bontoc, Stephanie Porol, Maria Misumi, Cherevim Bontia, Paul Mertan Quines, Greengrasilda Ligan, Reymilyn Tadena, Mico Princillo, Key-Ann Katipon, Ella Camillo, Glaizy Ann Catipon, Adrian Severino, Rendon Lark BAwar, Benirma Valeriano, Edsil Solis, and Yasmin Marie Canaynay.

Santiago said the 24 Filipinos "are supervised by the arrested foreigners."

Those arrested were charged with violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and RA 12010, the Anti-Fraud Account Scamming Act (AFASA), Santiago also said.

Among those seized by NBI operatives during the operation were desktop computers, laptops, and mobile phones with scam scripts designed to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information or investing money.

NBI-CCD Chief Jeremy C. Lotoc said the operation is part of efforts against illegally operating POGOs in the country.

“After ho kasi naghigpit ‘yung gobyerno nagsplinter group na ho sila. Instead of office setting, nag-shift na ho sila sa residential units ‘yun hong hindi mapapansin ng law enforcement agency. So from there ‘yung kanilang usual scamming activity ‘dun ho nila ginagawa (After the government started clamping down on POGOs, there were groups that have split off. Instead of the office setting, they started operating in residential units that won’t be noticed by law enforcement. So from there, they continued their usual scamming activity),” Lotoc explained.

 

 

 

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National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
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