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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CIDG: Two foreigners arrested in Bulacan for possessing 'spying equipment'

CIDG: Two foreigners arrested in Bulacan for possessing 'spying equipment'

Published May 8, 2025 11:09 am

At A Glance

  • Seized from the two Chinese was an IMSI catcher, an equipment capable of locating and tracking all open mobile phones in a particular area. 

Authorities arrested on Wednesday, March 7, two Chinese for allegedly possessing equipment capable of intercepting messages from communication gadgets like cellular phones in an operation in Bulacan. 

The operation in Baliuag town on Wednesday morning stemmed from reports of possible espionage involving two foreigners and through an electronic equipment capable of intercepting, storing, and utilizing information obtained from various communication equipment.

Police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, explained that the equipment seized, an IMSI catcher, is a dangerous device that could compromise privacy of individuals and even national security.

The IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity) catcher is capable of locating and tracking all open mobile phones in a particular area. 

It operates as a pseudo communication tower line that connects mobile phones and eventually harvest personal details without the knowledge of the owners.

“This is dangerous as this could intercept and store information from communication devices, it is a violation of individual human rights and a threat to our national security,” said Torre.

The CIDG, backed by personnel from the local police and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) arrested two Chinese during the operation in Primavera Homes in Barangay Sabang for possessing the device.

During the operation, Torre said they also confiscated the antenna of IMEI Catcher; Huawei Wifi Internet Router; 3000W inverter complete assembly; 1200 portable inverter; and, the Toyota Fortuner vehicle used by the Chinese.

“With the arrest of the suspects and confiscation of these devices, we significantly prevented cyber crimes and possible intercepting, storing, and utilizing information obtained from various communication equipment, particularly cellphones, from happening,” said Torre.

He said the two arrested Chinese were taken to the CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit and are now facing charges of violations of the Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

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