POLICE Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. announced the arrest of 31 individuals through the implementation of Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) in Pasig City on Friday.
The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group led the operation prompted by numerous complaints of Australian nationals who were victims of fraudulent transactions. The PNP ACG operatives immediately coordinated with the victims who were duly represented by an Australian entity.
The suspects include the owner of a call center operating as boiler room in Pasig City.
“This police operation is relative to our MKK=K security framework. We work as one government of public servants aspiring to provide a safer community for the people to live in. By responding swiftly to these complaints, even how complicated it may seem, is a testament that we act on every possible way to resolve criminality even at this modern day and age,” Azurin said.
Based on the initial investigation, the call center agents were given targets of retired individuals in Australia and Britain whom they will entice to invest their pension plan.
After closing the deal, the owner of the call center will be in-charge of transferring the money to different bank accounts until it reaches a controlled dummy bank account.
Azurin also cautions the public against this type of telemarketing scam wherein investors only see the amount on their account which the scammers had provided but in reality, this amount can’t be withdrawn or transferred to their own accounts.
Cases for violation of Section 4 (b) (2) [Computer-related Fraud] and Section 5 (Aiding or Abetting in the Commission of Cybercrime) of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) will be filed against the suspects.
