The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) disclosed on Friday that a former security guard for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) was arrested for allegedly selling International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers.

In a statement, the PNP-ACG said that the 40-year-old suspect, identified only as “Dante,” was arrested in an entrapment operation Thursday after he advertised the device for P600,000 on social media.

“During their cyber patrol, they were able to chance upon the seller,” said ACG chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang. “This was seen on a social media platform where the group is from former POGO employees or operators.”

IMSI catchers, also known as “stingrays,” rogue cell towers, or cell site simulators, can collect IMSI numbers from devices, allowing for location tracking, activity monitoring, and interception of text messages, calls, and data traffic.

The device can also be used for mass SMS broadcasting without a database, SIM card, or WiFi.

Yang said the suspect purchased the device from his former employer after the POGO firm shut down following the government’s ban on POGOs effective the end of December 2024. He said the device could be used for scams, election campaigning, or spreading disinformation.

The suspect faces charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the Philippine Radio Station and Radio Communication Act, the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, and the Data Privacy Act.

Former Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy had previously said IMSI catchers could be used for election-related text blasts.