Manila: Sixteen individuals have been apprehended in a series of operations nationwide targeting online fraud and cyber-enabled estafa, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) reported that 14 suspects were arrested through court-issued warrants, while two were caught in sting operations conducted between January and February this year.
The suspects allegedly defrauded victims through fake online selling activities and fraudulent investment schemes, the ACG stated in a release. All 16 individuals were arrested for violations of Article 315 (swindling/estafa) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
During the same period, the ACG referred a total of 84 estafa cases, with 82 filed through regular procedures and two submitted for inquest proceedings. Investigations revealed that the suspects used various online scams involving information and communications technology (ICT) to defraud victims.
Common methods included online selling scams and fraudulent investment schemes, where victims are enticed through deceptive offers and false promises of financial gain. ACG chief Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta urged the public to remain vigilant, think before clicking, and promptly report any suspicious online activity to them or the nearest police station for immediate and appropriate action.
