Manila: The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) apprehended 39 individuals, including nine foreigners, for running an online scam hub in Malate, Manila. Among the foreigners were eight Chinese nationals and one Taiwanese individual. The arrests took place on Thursday as part of a crackdown on cybercrime activities in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP-ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang revealed during a press briefing at Camp Crame that the detainees were allegedly part of a multi-tiered cyber scam network. This network targeted victims using romance and investment fraud techniques, utilizing layered digital wallets and accessed devices to obscure the origins of illicit funds.
The operation was conducted out of three condominium units in Malate over the past year. Brig. Gen. Yang mentioned that the responsibility of both the condominium owner and its management is still under investigation. He further explained that the scam network splintered from a larger group after the government shut down POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) operations last December, engaging in what he described as "guerrilla-type" activities.
The scam operation involved a subgroup of Filipinos who scouted for potential foreign victims on social media and dating apps, while another subgroup engaged with these targets romantically to build trust. Once trust was established, Chinese nationals would take over the interaction, encouraging victims to invest in fraudulent schemes.
The suspects employed AI-enhanced social engineering tactics to attract victims on social media and messaging platforms. They used pre-registered SIM cards to create VIP accounts on dating apps, targeting users based on nationality and location. After gaining victims' trust, the suspects extracted personal and financial information and directed them to fake cryptocurrency platforms for investment.
The PNP-ACG confiscated 231 SIM cards from local and international telecom companies, along with 200 smartphones, 36 computers, two routers, and two modems. Among those arrested, one Chinese national was identified as the group's "team leader," although police have indicated that they are pursuing a more significant target.
Legal proceedings are underway for the 30 Filipinos and nine foreign nationals, who will face charges under Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act, RA 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code, and RA 11934 or the SIM Registration Act. These charges are in conjunction with Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
