NBI arrests two Malaysian cybercrime suspects in Cebu

Two Malaysian nationals were arrested by the authorities in Cebu City for cybercrime violations.

Reports showed that joint elements of the National Bureau of Investigation–Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-CEVRO), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and other government agencies conducted the joint operation.

The operation was initiated after a request for assistance from the Deputy Executive Director of the CICC regarding the alleged distribution and use of illicit transceivers by foreign nationals staying at a top hospitality establishment in Cebu City.

On 28 June 2025, the joint operation led to the arrest of Chong Hong Yee and Kim Chui Tan, Malaysian nationals who were in a hotel in the said city.

Authorities found in their possession and operation illegal transceivers and sniffing devices (IMSI Catchers).

Based on the discovery, an application for a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSEC) was filed for the devices.

On 8 August 2025, a composite team of NBI agents and officers from the CICC, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) served the cyber warrant at the Cebu City hotel.

During the seizure, the Regional Cybersecurity Head of DICT-7 and a Cybercrime Investigator from the CICC confirmed that the laptops, Raspberry Pis, antennas, and other modular setups were cellular and data sniffers.

They noted that the strength of the modules and antennas could capture data up to the 5G network. These findings were concurred with by the Attorney of NTC, who added that some of the tools necessitated approval from NTC prior to usage.

The seized equipment will undergo an in-depth forensic examination to bolster the pieces of evidence already gathered. Meanwhile, cases for violation of Republic Act No. 10175 or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012” are being prepared for filing.