The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported that its operatives arrested four of its own employees for allegedly conspiring with fixers to expedite NBI clearance applications in exchange for bribes.

Reports said that the arrests were made by joint operatives from the NBI-Cybercrime Division and NBI-Special Task Force following an order from NBI director Jaime B. Santiago to eliminate corruption within the agency.

The arrested NBI employees, who worked in the Information and Communication Technology Division, face charges of Direct Bribery under the Revised Penal Code; violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; and violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. They are also facing charges under the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Seven fixers were also arrested outside the vicinity of the NBI Clearance Center for violating the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.