By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday said its Special Action Unit operatives arrested 48 individuals during a raid on an online scam hub in Parañaque City on April 17.
In a news release, the NBI said the arrested individuals are engaged in illegal online scams, particularly “Love Scamming Activities,” “Pig Butchering” and “Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud.”
The raid, it added, was covered by a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data (WSSECD) against units in a condominium in Parañaque City.
The NBI said the arrested individuals include 41 Filipinas and seven foreign nationals. They were taken for inquest proceedings for violations of Section 4(b)(2) (Computer-Related Fraud) of Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) and of RA 12010 (Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act).
The NBI said the operational setup consists of multiple computer workstations, laptops, mobile phones, internet routers and other digital devices, arranged in a call center-like configuration.
The computer units revealed pre-written scripts stored in digital files, each containing a step-by-step conversational guide designed to engage potential victims.
The subjects used fake profiles that portrayed them as individuals seeking romantic relationships and induced them to send money through fabricated scenarios such as financial emergencies, investment opportunities, or urgent personal needs.
The victims were then instructed by the subjects to transfer funds through various cryptocurrency wallets.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag issued a strong warning to all individuals involved in this illegal modus operandi, stating that the NBI will spare no effort in relentlessly pursuing and prosecuting them to ensure justice is served.
He also reaffirmed the NBI’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the public from online predators and cyber-criminals, highlighting their ongoing commitment to cybercrime prevention and the protection of citizens in the digital space.
Matibag commended the SAU operatives for dismantling the sophisticated online scamming network. (PNA)
