12 Chinese, 5 Filipinos Arrested in Paranaque Scam Operation

The National Bureau of Investigation nabbed 12 Chinese nationals and 5 Filipinos in Parañaque City for suspected scamming and bribery efforts. The investigation, which was carried out in collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), took place in Aseana City and revealed a nexus for a variety of fraudulent operations.

Details of the Operation

According to the NBI, the Chinese suspects, Xu Chao, Meng Wei Shi, Xing Chao, Qin Hai Feng, Li Xiang Hua, Zhang Wei, Wang Qin Xiang, Wang Jia Fa, Jiang Qi Long, Luo Shang Fen, Qixin Wang, and Chen Jiang Song, were involved in computer-related forgery and other violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA).

The Filipino accused, Ezechiel Bernales, Robustiano Hizon, John Abunda Villanueva, Kristoffer Ryan Habelito Baguna, and Hanif Mala Bautil, are charged with Corruption of Public Officials under the Revised Penal Code.

Evidence Found

Digital forensic investigators unearthed a plethora of evidence, including romance scam scripts, phony chat accounts, fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions, and fraudulent investment schemes. The live computers and accounts discovered at the spot revealed the operation's involvement in large-scale cybercrimes against unsuspecting victims.

Bribery Attempt

Bernales reportedly offered ₱3.6 million to NBI agents in exchange for the release of 12 Chinese suspects. This prompted an entrapment operation, during which four more Filipino suspects were captured at the NBI headquarters parking lot in Pasay City. Authorities recovered a black environmental bag with ₱900,000 as part of a bribery attempt.

Individuals detained in Pasay and Parañaque face several accusations under Philippine legislation and are undergoing inquest processes. The operation demonstrates the government's commitment to combatting cybercrime and ensuring responsibility for those who use technology for dishonest purposes.

Final Thoughts

The arrests of these people highlight the NBI and BI's vigilance in combating cybercrime, which is a rising danger to public confidence and financial security. With sophisticated frauds targeting vulnerable persons, teamwork between law enforcement and digital forensic experts is critical for protecting Filipinos and the global community from such schemes.