2 nabbed in Cainta cyber extort sting

Operatives of the Rizal Provincial Cyber Response Team and the Cainta Municipal Police Station arrested two suspects in an entrapment operation over the weekend in connection with charges of grave coercion, robbery by extortion, and violation of Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The operation, conducted around 4:35 p.m., was led by P/Cpt. Angelo Astrero with personnel from the Cainta Municipal Police Station under P/Lt. Col. Alfredo DG Lim, and was carried out under the direct supervision of P/Col. Irene Cena, chief of RACU 4A.

It resulted in the arrest of the primary suspect, McKenzo Montoya, and his cohorts.

According to investigators, the operation stemmed from a complaint filed by the victim, identified by the alias Enrico, who reported receiving a threat from the suspect through WhatsApp.

The victim said she was allegedly told that her explicit photos and videos would be released if she did not pay P35,000 in exchange for their supposed deletion.

Recovered from the suspects were an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a Tecno Slim cellphone, a Realme cellphone, a driver’s license and SSS ID in the suspect’s name, a Toyota Vios, and P1,000 in marked money.

The suspects were brought to the Cainta Municipal Police Station for temporary detention, documentation, and proper disposition while awaiting inquest proceedings.

The cyber response team said its investigation is ongoing to determine whether the suspects have other victims.