Two men were arrested this week in an entrapment operation for allegedly selling counterfeit money online, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said Friday.

The suspects, identified by their aliases “Usa,” 18, and “Agila,” 30, were caught on Wednesday after they were found offering fake P1,000 bills through social media platforms.

The operation was launched in response to a tip-off from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which had flagged the online sale of fake currency.

According to investigators from the ACG’s Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team, one of the suspects was advertising counterfeit P1,000 notes online for only P150 each.

Authorities seized 150 fake banknotes amounting to P22,500 during the sting.

The suspects are facing charges under Article 168 of the Revised Penal Code for illegal possession and use of false treasury or banknotes, as well as violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“The sale of counterfeit currency online undermines our financial system and exploits the trust of unsuspecting citizens,” said ACG chief Police Brigadier General Bernard Yang in a statement. “Let this serve as a warning to those using digital platforms to circulate fake money.”

Yang added that the PNP-ACG continues to monitor social media and online marketplaces for criminal activity, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting public trust and the integrity of the Philippine financial system.

The BSP has not yet issued a separate statement but continues to coordinate closely with law enforcement agencies to track and disrupt counterfeit currency operations.