Illegal SIM card sellers collared

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) on Friday reported that a man was arrested in Quezon City last 14 January for illegally selling a registered SIM card linked to a verified e-wallet account.

Authorities said that the suspect — identified as alias Arvin — was apprehended along General Araneta Avenue in Cubao after meeting up with an undercover police officer. He was selling the SIM card for P2,300.

This arrest comes as part of a series of operations targeting the illegal online sale of pre-registered subscriber identity modules (SIM cards).

Another suspect, known as “JP,” was arrested in Quezon City also on 14 January for selling an e-wallet account with an ATM card and an online banking account. The transaction took place along Mayon Street.

Meantime, the Calabarzon police’s anti-cybercrime unit spotted a suspect advertising online a bundle of a fully verified e-wallet account and a SIM card priced at P800.

An officer arranged to meet up with the suspect and an accomplice, both of whom the ACG did not identify, which resulted in their arrest in Cabuyao town, Laguna at 4:40 p.m. on 13 January 2025.

All four suspects will be charged with violations of the SIM Registration Act, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Acting ACG chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang warned the public about the dangers of illegal SIM card sales, stressing that such activities are punishable by law.

“It is crucial to adhere to the law and avoid involvement in such online illegal transactions to protect oneself and prevent the spread of cybercrime,” Yang said.