AUTHORITIES have apprehended 14 Indian nationals allegedly involved in a large-scale international scam operation after raiding an exclusive villa in Clark, Pampanga, which they had converted into a “scam hub.”
The National Bureau of Investigation–National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) conducted a surveillance operation on the villa, as reported by John Consulta on GTV News Balitanghali this Thursday. The suspects are accused of targeting their own compatriots in India, as well as individuals in other countries, through sophisticated social engineering scams. Some suspects even locked themselves in rooms in an attempt to evade arrest but were ultimately apprehended.
According to the NBI, the suspects are linked to various social engineering scams, including love scams, cryptocurrency scams, and digital arrest scams. “Most of their victims are vulnerable persons, such as retirees or people looking for relationships online,” said NBI-NCR agent John Bacho. “They convince them to click on phishing links, convince them to open bank accounts. Then, once they have opened the accounts, they obtain their sensitive personal information, even the OTP [one-time password] and account numbers.”
Tracking the international scammers was no easy feat, according to the NBI-NCR. “We conducted a thorough surveillance and case build-up over two months. And once we confirmed their illegal activities, we decided to apply for a cyber warrant. With this warrant, we were able to enter their scam hub,” said Atty. Joel Tovera, Regional Director of the NBI-NCR.
Computers, routers, cell phones, and other gadgets used in the scam operation were seized at the scene. The agency estimates that the group has earned over P1 billion from their victims since beginning operations in the Philippines in 2022.
“This will also serve as a warning to foreign nationals who want to come to the Philippines and engage in illegal activities here; we will not allow it,” said Atty. Melvin Matibag, NBI Director. The arrested foreign nationals, who are facing multiple charges, have yet to issue a statement.
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