NBI pressed to target online counterfeit rings

Consumer advocacy group Malayang Konsyumer has formally requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division to launch an investigation into online merchants, social media accounts, and digital listings distributing counterfeit merchandise.

In a letter sent to the bureau, the organization stated that while e-commerce platforms routinely conduct voluntary takedowns, online marketplaces remain heavily flooded with unregulated and hazardous imitations.

Malayang Konsyumer convenor Mark Jansen Magsano urged law enforcement to classify the digital counterfeit trade as an organized commercial cybercrime rather than isolated individual infractions.

The group requested that the NBI leverage its authority under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 by securing Warrants to Disclose Computer Data to reveal the identities of anonymous store operators.

They also called for the issuance of Warrants to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data to preserve crucial digital evidence.

Advocates highlighted the growing proliferation of fake medicines, vitamins, cosmetics, and electronics across digital storefronts, warning that counterfeit items present significant health risks, toxic chemical exposure, and electrical fire hazards to consumers.

The formal appeal comes amid a broader push by Philippine law enforcement to police digital platforms.

Also, the Philippine National Police recently expanded intelligence gathering and sting operations against networks handling cross-border fraud and illicit items.

Earlier this year, the NBI conducted field raids across Rizal, Pasay, and Manila, seizing millions of pesos in counterfeit luxury items, electronics and beauty products.

Malayang Konsyumer stressed that while physical seizures remain helpful, law enforcement must shift primary focus to digital networks to dismantle counterfeit rings at their source.