The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group has filed charges against 15 individuals, including the alleged leader of an investment group called “Royal Kingdom of Maharlika,” following their arrest for fraudulent activities in Laguna.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP-ACG Director Wilson Asueta said operatives conducted an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of a 60-year-old man known as “Supremo,” along with 14 associates.

Authorities said the group lured individuals into an unregistered online investment scheme through membership recruitment, promising future financial returns and lifetime benefits. 

The suspect, who also referred to himself as “King” and “Spiritual Wonder Boy,” was arrested during a gathering in Santa Rosa City, Laguna on 28 March in coordination with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investigators said the group used various online platforms to recruit members, offering so-called “Yellow Cards” and “Green Cards” priced from P150 to P5,500, enticing victims with promises of financial gains. 

The operation stemmed from intelligence reports of organized online scam activities. Authorities conducted cyber patrols and ground validation to confirm the scheme, which allegedly targeted hundreds of victims, including elderly individuals and members of Indigenous communities.

Asueta said authorities are still determining the total amount collected but noted that the group had a wide reach across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“We haven’t been able to account for the amount of money he collected, but there are many groups nationwide. Many will come forward and file cases so we can complete the case of qualified estafa,” he said.

He added that the scheme relied on deception, promising rewards such as land and wealth once the leader is supposedly crowned “king.”

Police said the suspect had no verified contracts or financial backing to support the promised returns.

The arrested individuals face charges for violations of the Securities Regulation Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged the public to remain vigilant, especially in rural communities, and directed the PNP-ACG to intensify awareness campaigns and enforcement against cyber-enabled fraud.