The Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) on Friday said 39 individuals, including eight Chinese and one Taiwanese, have been arrested during a search in an alleged online scam hub in Malate, Manila.
In a statement, the ACG said a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD) was implemented on the establishment at 2:10 am on Thursday.
Recovered from the supposed online scam hub were 267 pieces of digital evidence including 36 computers and 200 mobile phones with inserted SIM cards. Hundreds of separate SIM cards were also seized.
These items were subjected to on-site digital forensic examination.
According to the ACG, authorities have received report from an informant about a group allegedly involved in a highly organized and multi-tiered cyber scam network that operates romance and investment fraud.
“The suspects used AI-enhanced social engineering tactics to lure victims through social media and messaging platforms. Using pre-registered SIM cards supplied by their handlers, they created VIP accounts on dating apps to target users based on nationality and location,” ACG said.
“Once trust was gained, the suspects obtained victims’ personal and financial information and were provided with links to fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms, which they used to convince victims to invest,” it added.
The arrested suspects are facing charges for violations of the Securities Regulation Code, SIM Registration Act, and Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 as amended by the Republic Act No. 11449 — all in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
“This operation underscores our firm commitment to unmasking cybercriminals and protecting the public from online fraud and scam,” ACG acting director Police Brigadier General Bernard Yang said.
“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any information related to illegal online activities to the nearest PNP ACG office for prompt and appropriate action,” he added. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
