NBI rescues trafficked victim
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago presents seven Chinese nationals arrested during a Cybercrime Division (CCD) operation at a press conference on Tuesday. The operation also rescued a trafficked victim, a house helper identified as “Let-let” (not her real name), who had been working for three months at the site where the scammers operated. Detained for two months, she was barred from using her phone or leaving the premises after discovering the illegal activities. She also reported delayed and insufficient salary payments. Director Santiago said the investigation uncovered desktops containing fraudulent scripts, messaging applications with fictitious accounts, bank account details, and cryptocurrency investment schemes. The seven Chinese nationals face charges under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, computer-related forgery under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, social engineering schemes under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, and the Domestic Workers Act. The NBI said it is still identifying other individuals involved and investigating possible links to rogue Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operating on a smaller scale.
John Carlo Magallon
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), under the leadership of Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago, rescued a human trafficking victim and arrested seven Chinese nationals involved in a scamming operation.
Initial reports disclosed that the NBI-Cybercrime Division initiated the investigation after receiving a complaint on 11 December 2024, with the complainant alleging that their friend was being illegally detained and forced into involuntary labor.
Acting on the complaint, NBI agents conducted a rescue operation at a residence in Multinational Village, Moonwalk, Paranaque City. During the operation, they not only rescued the victim but also uncovered a sophisticated scamming operation.
The NBI agents found multiple desktop computers, mobile phones, sim cards, written scripts and customer ledgers inside the residence, indicating organized criminal activity.
Through a controlled viewing of the desktop screens, investigators discovered evidence of various scams, including catfishing, credit card fraud, cryptocurrency scams and fake investment schemes.
The seven Chinese nationals were arrested in flagrante delicto and charged with violation of Section 4(a) of RA 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022), computer-related Forgery under Section 4(b)(1) of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), social engineering schemes under Section 4(b)(1) of RA 12010 (Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act) in relation to RA 10175 and violation of RA 10361 (Domestic Workers Act).
Santiago commended the NBI-CCD for their successful operation and for uncovering the hidden criminal activity.