The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the arrest of seven individuals for cyber scams in Angeles City, Pampanga, following a coordinated effort with the 301st Special Mission Group and the 300th Air Intelligence Security Wing of the Philippine Air Force.
The suspects—Arnel Dayrit, Reniel Pabalan, Sharlene Agustin, Amanda Eunice Turalde, Mark Jhondell Padua, Vanesa Agustin, and Kaey Ann Pabalan—were implicated in a scheme operating under the guise of FXTM USDT FOREX TRADING located in Brgy. Salapungan. NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago reported that the establishment was identified as a cryptocurrency scamming hub targeting foreign victims through various deceptive tactics, including social engineering, love scams, impersonation, phishing links, and malicious websites.
On September 20, acting on intelligence gathered by NBI-Pampanga District Office (NBI-PAMDO), the agency obtained a Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD). The raid resulted in the confiscation of 85 desktop computers, 114 cellular phones, various SIM cards, and documents containing emails, passwords, and cryptocurrency wallet addresses.
The arrested individuals, along with four additional company officers not present during the operation, have been charged with Computer-Related Fraud under Section 4 (b)(2) of Republic Act No. 10175, known as the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.” This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect victims from fraudulent schemes in the Philippines.
