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Police raid AI-driven online scam hub; 39 arrested

Philippines | Metro Manila

Police raid AI-driven online scam hub; 39 arrested

By Hannah Nicol

Handcuffs on dark background

Handcuffs on dark background

Police arrested 39 individuals, including foreign nationals, during a raid on an AI-powered online scam hub in Malate, Manila, which allegedly used fake dating profiles to defraud victims abroad.

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) carried out the operation on Thursday, Oct. 23, through a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD).

Authorities said among those arrested were eight Chinese and one Taiwanese, believed to be supervising the illegal operation.

According to PNP-ACG acting director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, the group operated a highly organized cybercrime network engaged in romance and investment scams targeting victims overseas.

Yang said the suspects used AI-enhanced social engineering to make their fabricated online identities appear more convincing.

He added that the group operated in three main roles: one team created fake online profiles, another gained the trust of potential victims, while their foreign handlers persuaded them to invest in bogus cryptocurrency platforms.

Authorities also discovered that the group used international SIM cards and pre-recorded videos to make their online interactions appear legitimate.

During the raid, operatives seized 36 computers, 200 mobile phones, and 31 SIM cards, which are now undergoing digital forensic examination.

The suspects will face charges for violating the Securities Regulation Code, SIM Registration Act, Access Devices Regulation Act, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Police said they are also investigating the condominium where the suspects were arrested following reports that other scam hubs may also be operating in the area.

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