The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday announced the arrest of a Chinese national accused of selling pre-registered SIM cards to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and syndicates involved in online scams.

The suspect was apprehended on 30 March in Tondo, Manila, following reports that he was using the messaging platform Telegram to sell SIM cards.

“Investigation revealed that the SIM cards were being sold to clandestine POGOs, individuals, and syndicates engaged in various online scamming activities,” the NBI said in a statement.

During the entrapment operation, an NBI agent tested one of the SIM cards provided by the suspect and confirmed it was already registered. 

The suspect was then arrested after accepting marked money.

NBI operatives seized 49 Smart SIM cards and one mobile phone during the operation.

The suspect has been presented for inquest proceedings before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for alleged violation of the SIM Card Registration Act, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“The NBI remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantling networks that facilitate cybercrime,” the bureau said. 

“By enforcing the SIM Card Registration Act, the Bureau aims to strip online scammers and illegal offshore operators of the anonymity they require to exploit the public,” it added.