MANILA – Operatives of Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has arrested seven persons for illegal online sale of registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards in a three-day entrapment operation conducted in Valenzuela, Cainta (Rizal), North Edsa Highway (Quezon City), and Pedro Gil and Ermita (Manila).
In a statement on Wednesday, PNP ACG chief Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga said he instructed cybercops to conduct cyber patrolling and online investigations that led to engagement with the online sellers and their eventual arrest on November 3 to 5.
He said the three female and four male suspects yielded around 400 registered SIM cards, which were being sold from PHP14 to PHP 3, 500.
In a separate interview, ACG spokesperson Lt. Wallen Mae Arancillo said the SIM card can be used for text scams or to create a social media account for scamming activities.
“During the ACG probe, there was a bulk order or sale of registered SIM cards that started last year. And some of the individuals that we have arrested have only been starting for two months since it was observed on the Facebook page that there are many patrons or interested in buying registered SIM card,” she told reporters.
“According sa investigation, mas mahal kapag yung SIM card ay nakalink doon sa verified account ng payment service provider kasi maaaring gamitin sa pag transfer, cash in cash out, and also pag loan ng pera (According to the investigation, it’s more expensive if the SIM card is linked to a verified account of a payment service provider because it can be used for transfers, cash in cash out, and also when borrowing money),” Arancillo said.
The suspects face 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, or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
Meanwhile, Cariaga reminded the public that the illegal online sale of SIM cards is punishable by law, with significant fines and imprisonment.
“This is just the beginning of a series of operations targeting the illegal online sale of registered SIM cards. We will continue our cyber patrols and investigations until these cybercriminals are apprehended and brought to justice,” Cariaga said.
“If you have any information regarding the illegal online sale of registered SIM cards, please report it immediately to the PNP-ACG hotlines, Facebook page, or email address for prompt action.” (PNA)