CEBU CITY – Two Malaysian-Chinese nationals were arrested on suspicion that they were involved in spying activities.
ASSORTED electronic gadgets were seized from a hotel room in Cebu City where two Malaysian-Chinese nationals were arrested on Friday, Aug. 8. (NBI-7)
The two foreigners were arrested in a hotel at the North Reclamation Area here last Friday, Aug. 8.
The National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI-7) withheld the names of the suspects pending follow-up operations.
Seized from their room were suspected spying devices capable of intercepting high-speed cellular data.
Their arrest in the presence of Bureau of Immigration officials was made after authorities were informed about the presence of advanced cellular and data sniffers from the suspects’ room.
The NBI-7 said hotel management sought help after they initially suspected that the electronic devices had possible bomb components.
A search and seizure warrant from Cebu Regional Trial Court Branch 11 Judge Ramon B. Daomilas Jr. was secured on Aug. 5.
Seized were laptops, Raspberry Pi units, antennas, and modular set up as “cellular and data sniffers” capable of intercepting network signals up to 5G speed.
Lawyer Allan Felix J. Macaraya of the National Telecommunications Commission said the use of these devices needs prior approval from authorities.
A forensic examination will be conducted on the seized devices, the NBI-7 said.
Charges for possible violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 will be filed against the suspects.