Twelve Chinese nationals and five Filipinos were arrested on January 8, 2025, in a major operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Paranaque City, Metro Manila. The suspects are facing charges related to scamming operations, attempted bribery, and violations of the Philippine Immigration Act.
Details of the Scam Operation
The NBI’s operation targeted the suspects’ base at the Rance Corporate Center in Aseana City, Tambo, Paranaque. During the raid, operatives uncovered a variety of fraudulent activities, including romance or love scams, cryptocurrency scams, and fake investment schemes. Authorities also found messaging apps with fictitious accounts, bank accounts used in fraudulent transactions, and evidence of online scams designed to deceive victims.
The arrested Chinese nationals were identified as 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.
Attempted Bribery Leads to Additional Arrests
As NBI personnel were preparing to return to headquarters with the arrested suspects, Ezechiel Bernales, who claimed to be the suspects’ official interpreter, approached the authorities. He allegedly offered PHP300,000 for the release of each of the 12 Chinese nationals, amounting to a total of PHP3,600,000.
An entrapment operation was immediately set up on January 10, 2025, at the parking lot of the NBI office in Pasay City. This operation led to the arrest of Bernales, as well as four others: Robustiano Hizon, John Abunda Villanueva, Kristoffer Habelito Baguna, and Hanif Bautil.
Legal Proceedings
The 12 Chinese nationals arrested during the raid were presented for inquest proceedings before the City Prosecutor’s Office in Parañaque City, while the five Filipinos were presented for inquest in Pasay City. The suspects are facing a range of charges related to their involvement in the scams and attempted bribery.
The NBI’s successful operation is part of a continued effort to combat online fraud and corruption in the Philippines, sending a strong message against such criminal activities.
