Thirty-one individuals, including Taiwanese nationals Liu Cheng-Chihi, 31, and Tsai Chit Ting, 41, were arrested on June 4, 2025, for allegedly running a large-scale online scam operation in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
According to a statement from the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas (NBI 7), the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated raid at Block 35, Lots 4–6 of the Vistamar Subdivision in Barangay Mactan. The operation was conducted under three warrants to search, seize, and examine computer data (WSSECD), issued by Judge Ramon Daomillas Jr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 11, Cebu City.
Liu and Tsai were identified as supervisors of the scam hub, which employed 29 Filipino nationals. The team operated out of a setup that mimicked a legitimate call center, allegedly defrauding individuals through various online platforms.
NBI investigators revealed that the scam had been active for nearly a year. Seized during the operation were multiple computer systems believed to have hosted fake websites and social media accounts used in the scam.
The fraudulent activities reportedly involved:
Fake profiles on dating platforms like Filipino Cupid;
Bogus social media accounts on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram;
Fake e-commerce sites mimicking Shopee, such as shope6vip.martin1707.com, which lured users with legitimate-looking pages but never delivered purchased items.
Victims often discovered the fraud only after failing to receive the goods they had paid for.
The raid was carried out with the help of Barangay Mactan officials, including Councilor Valentina Martingan, and the Lapu-Lapu City Police, headed by Director Dyan V. Agustin.
All suspects were taken to the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office on June 5 for inquest proceedings. They face charges under Section 4(b)(2) of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, specifically for computer-related fraud.
If convicted, the accused could face imprisonment of 6 to 12 years and fines of no less than ₱200,000.
