Scam hub sa Cebu, ikinandado ng pulisya matapos ibinulgar ng isang hacker online

- A cybercrime hub in Cebu was shut down by authorities following a viral exposé

- A joint task force closed the alleged scam operation office in Barangay Kasambagan after a social media video exposed its illicit activities

- Authorities found the office abandoned, suggesting a hasty evacuation by employees after the exposé gained traction online

- The BPO company, identified as BMJ Data Processing Services, is accused of defrauding foreigners through “love scams” and fake investment schemes

A scam hub in Cebu was padlocked by authorities following a viral exposé by a white hat hacker and online user @mrwn.

The joint task force composed of anti-cybercrime authorities and local government units moved in to shut down the alleged scam operation office in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, on Tuesday, May 20.

The action followed a viral social media exposé that brought the illicit activities to public attention.

The office, located on the second floor of a commercial building, was found deserted upon the arrival of authorities.

Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, Director of Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7), and Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Police Colonel Enrico Figueroa led the inspection, which included personnel from the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and a SWAT team.

They intended to serve a show-cause order, citing the company's failure to secure or renew proper business permits and non-display of required documents.

Investigators discovered computer sets, various electronic equipment, and personal belongings left behind, suggesting a hasty evacuation.

Police officers subsequently sealed the premises with tape and posted the show-cause order on the door.

Reports indicate that the employees had likely fled the day before, on Monday, May 19, when the exposé, featuring a white hat hacker, gained significant traction online.

The alleged “scam hub” recently garnered widespread public scrutiny after YouTube content creator “mrwn” released a video detailing the purported fraudulent operations of the business process outsourcing (BPO) company.

The video reportedly showed footage from inside the company’s offices, depicting workers engaged in online scam activities, including “love scams” and fake investment solicitations, primarily targeting foreigners, especially from African countries.

The scheme allegedly involved Filipino agents posing as foreigners to deceive victims into online investments with promises of high returns.

Authorities revealed that the company, identified in some reports as BMJ Data Processing Services, had been under surveillance for some time.

It had previously operated from a different location in Barangay Lahug before relocating to Barangay Kasambagan.

During the on-site inspection, Colonel Figueroa made contact via phone with a woman who claimed to have sub-leased the second floor of the building.

She informed him that she would consult her lawyer before making any official statement, though she reportedly denied full awareness of the illicit operations, stating they merely rented the space and provided the computers while different individuals ran the firm.

With the alleged scam operations now halted, law enforcement agencies are preparing to secure an official search warrant.

This warrant will enable them to conduct a more thorough forensic examination of the abandoned computers and other equipment to gather definitive evidence of the illegal activities.

The office remains sealed to preserve potential evidence and prevent any tampering.

Police Brigadier General Maranan emphasized the Philippine National Police's commitment to monitoring and addressing cybercrime.

He urged the public, especially those with technical skills, to report any suspicious online activities to law enforcement agencies.

“Just like in this case, the operation was exposed through Facebook and a hacker. We are calling on everyone with such skills to report any discoveries to law enforcement agencies,” Maranan stated during an interview at the scene.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia also issued a directive to the BPLO to inspect the site following concerns that the alleged scam operations could have international implications.

The BPLO inspection reportedly uncovered multiple violations, including operating without a valid business registration and failing to issue sales invoices or official receipts.

The company has been given a 72-hour period to respond to the show-cause order.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have also weighed in, denying any inaction on the part of the government regarding such complaints and inviting ethical hackers and content creators to collaborate with authorities.

They encouraged direct contact through official channels to ensure swift government action against scam hubs.

Authorities have yet to determine the specific charges to be filed against those involved, pending the outcome of the ongoing forensic investigation.

They also hinted at the possible liability of the building owner if it is proven they were aware of the alleged illegal activities.

The focus remains on apprehending the individuals behind the operation and holding them accountable under relevant cybercrime laws, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10175) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (Republic Act 12010).

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a 70-year-old tricycle driver died after his vehicle was hit by a bus in Barangay Bonawon, Siaton, Negros Oriental. CCTV footage showed the tricycle exiting onto the national highway moments before the collision occurred. The tricycle overturned upon impact, and all passengers were rushed to the hospital; the driver later died from a head injury. The bus driver is now in police custody as authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Still in other news, Marjorie San Agustin, the mother of the 10-year-old boy who died following a circumcision, postponed a second autopsy out of compassion but is determined to seek justice against the doctor who performed the circumcision. She described her son Nathan as intelligent, diligent, and passionate about dancing, and said he was fully prepared to return to school before the tragedy. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has obtained her complaint affidavit and plans to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Proper charges will be filed against the alleged fake doctor who carried out the operation.

Source: KAMI.com.gh