PNP nabs 15 in online scam; 36 financial accounts closed
A total of 15 were arrested and 36 financial accounts involved in fraudulent transactions intercepted during coordinated anticybercrime operations nationwide April 1 to April 15.
The Philippine National Police said in a news release over the weekend that the 15 were engaged in the illegal online sale of financial accounts, including automated teller machine cards and e-wallet accounts.
The operations were carried out simultaneously by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Units, Provincial and City Cyber Response Teams, and District Anti-Cybercrime Teams across the country.
The suspects are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 12010, or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Nartatez said the Enhanced Managing Police Operations supports strengthened response against cyber-enabled financial crimes and the protection of the public from online fraudulent schemes.
“Cybercrime continues to evolve and remains a serious threat to public trust in digital financial systems,” he said.
Nartatez earlier announced the promotion of Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, to major general.
Asueta, a lawyer, is among the 17 police officials who were promoted due to their exceptional performance.
A member of the PNP Academy’s Patnubay Class of 1995, the 53-year-old Asueta previously headed the Eastern Police District and the Albay Provincial Police Office.
