MANILA – Operatives of Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) have arrested 65 persons for illegal online sale of registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards in 2024 that resulted in six court convictions, a police official said Thursday.
In a statement, PNP-ACG acting Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said they conducted 55 operations that resulted in the confiscation of over 6,200 SIM cards, including more than 3,000 registered and 29 linked to e-wallet accounts.
Yang said the arrested suspects faced charges for violation of Republic Act 12010, also known as the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), and Section 7 (Subsequent Sale of Registered SIM Cards) of RA 11934 (SIM Registration Act) in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
“Let us strengthen our cyber patrols and intensify online investigations to broaden our reach and enhance our achievements in 2025,” Yang said as he commended PNP-ACG for their successful operations in 2024.
On January 6, the Cyber Financial Crime Unit (CFCU) of the ACG conducted entrapment operation in Cubao, Quezon City, that resulted in the arrest of one alias Jose for the illegal online sale of registered SIM cards
The investigation revealed that these registered SIM cards were sold for prices ranging from PHP400 to PHP1,500. The cost is higher for SIM cards linked to verified accounts with payment service providers.
“This arrest demonstrates our firm commitment to safeguarding the public from individuals engaged in fraudulent schemes, particularly those exploiting pre-registered SIM cards for illegal activities,” Yang said.
The PNP-ACG chief urged the public to report any information regarding the illegal online sale of registered SIM cards to the ACG office, hotlines, Facebook page, or via email for immediate action. (PNA)