NBI agents collar Malaysian cybercrime violators
AN officer from the National Bureau of Investigation–Central Visayas Regional Office checks on the evidence gained from an anti-cybercrime operation against the alleged distribution and use of illicit transceivers by foreign nationals in Cebu City. The operation was in coordination with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center and Bureau of Immigration.
Photograph courtesy of NATIONAL BUREU OF INVESTIGATION FACEBOOK PAGE
Authorities have arrested two Malaysian nationals in Cebu City for alleged cybercrime violations, seizing sophisticated devices capable of intercepting cellular data up to 5G networks.
The arrests of Chong Hong Yee and Kim Chui Tan came after a joint operation on 28 June 2025, involving the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-CEVRO), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) and the Bureau of Immigration.
The operation was launched following a request from the CICC regarding foreigners reportedly using illicit transceivers at a hotel in Cebu City.
During the initial arrest, authorities discovered the two men in possession of and operating illegal transceivers and “sniffing devices,” also known as IMSI catchers.