MANILA – Eight Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in online phishing operations were arrested in Parañaque City, the National Bureau of Investigation announced on Wednesday.
In a news release, the NBI identified the arrested suspects as Xiao Li, Chuan Zi Gao, Ming Ru Li , Wen Shu Liu, Qui Shun Li, Cai Li Pan, Changfu Liu, and Zhang Zhen.
A ninth suspect, Hwang Xiaobin, remains at large.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the suspects were engaged in investment fraud, crypto asset/currency scam, romance scam and identity theft through the use of social engineering and digital communication schemes.
Following surveillance on January 14, a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD) was granted by RTC Paranaque City against the group.
On Jan. 17, NBI operatives, together with representatives from the Digital Forensic Laboratory (DFL) implemented the WSSECD.
DFL representatives conducted an onsite examination on a laptop and a desktop found on the site and discovered transcript template of phishing and/or social engineering schemers used in obtaining sensitive information of another person.
Financial transactions of crypto currency scams were also found during the examination, the NBI said.
Charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and RA 12010, or The Anti Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) were filed against the suspects before the Parañaque City Prosecutors’ Office. (PNA)