NBI arrests 14 suspects in Clark cybercrime hub
The National Bureau of Investigation dismantled a cyber-financial scamming operation hub in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, following a raid that resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NBI said the 14 suspects’ scheme primarily targeted retirees and other vulnerable citizens.
Their modus operandi involved gathering personal data by deceiving victims with fraudulent investment offers.
“After being tricked into clicking phishing links, victims were coerced into depositing large sums of money into a fake platform, only to be locked out and denied access to their funds once the transfers were complete,” the bureau said.
With this, the NBI agents, in coordination with the Clark Development Corp. Security Services Groupcon conducted a raid on the facility on Feb. 21 under a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 132 of Makati City.
Evidence seized
During the operation, the NBI said its agents confiscated pieces of electronic evidence, such as high-end computer devices and smartphones, numerous SIM cards used for fraudulent communications, and detailed ledgers of potential victims’ personal information.
The 14 suspects were presented for inquest proceedings for violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act No. 10175) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (RA 12010).
The suspects were arrested on Feb. 21, a day after lawyer Melvin Matibag took his oath as the new NBI director as administered by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto at Malacañang.
In a Facebook post, Matibag said he is “honored and humbled” to accept his appointment.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos for the trust and confidence,” Matibag said.
“I am committed to leading with nobility, bravery and integrity strengthening our fight against crime, including cybercrime, and bringing the Bureau closer to the Filipino people,” he added.
