An illegal online lending agency or OLA in Sampaloc, Manila was raided by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group on Friday morning.

At least 83 collectors were caught threatening customers while some were unlawfully accessing clients' personal information which is posted online with libelous remarks.

The said operation stemmed from a warrant issued by the court, directing the PNP-ACG to search and seize pieces of digital evidence allegedly used by the loan shark company in its lending scheme with usurious rates.

Borrowers from the OLA, experienced public humiliation and harassment coupled with threats and illegal access to their phone's contact list when they cannot pay on time.

SEC pitches in
The police operation was a collaboration of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Manila Police District, and an anti-cybercrime group.

Charges for violations of section 4 (a) (5) (i) (ii) (misuse of the device), RA 10173 (data privacy act of 2012); Cyber Libel under RA 10175 (cybercrime prevention act of 2012); grave threats under the revised penal code; and violation of memorandum circular 18, series of 2019 of the Securities and Exchange Commission entitled: "Prohibition on unfair debt collection practices of financing companies and lending companies," among others.