The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 15 individuals during a May 9 operation in Mandaluyong City for their alleged involvement in a cryptocurrency investment scam using a spoofed website. Agents from the NBI Dangerous Drugs Division (NBI-DDD) and the Digital Forensic Laboratory Division, supported by the Philippine Air Force Intelligence Unit, executed a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) at a local condominium.
Details of the Operation
The NBI-DDD initiated the investigation following reports of fraudulent activities led by an individual identified as “Boss Choi.” According to the NBI, the group targeted victims by soliciting cryptocurrency investments through a fraudulent website designed to mimic legitimate platforms.
The arrested individuals include one Chinese national, one Malaysian national, and 13 Filipino nationals, consisting of 12 men and one woman. Law enforcement officials reported that the subjects were caught operating desktop computers at the time of the raid.
Digital Evidence and Forensics
Authorities seized multiple computer devices during the operation for on-site digital forensic examination. The NBI stated that the examination revealed digital data used as instruments for computer-related forgery.
The bureau noted that the evidence indicated the presence of an organized scamming network. The seized equipment is being processed to further verify the extent of the fraudulent operations and the number of affected investors.
Legal Charges Filed
The 15 subjects were presented for inquest proceedings for multiple violations of Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The charges include social engineering schemes, economic sabotage, and the misuse of devices.
The group also faces allegations of computer-related forgery and aiding or abetting in the commission of cybercrime under Section 5(a) of the same law. The NBI-DDD remains the lead division on the case as the investigation continues.
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This article is published on BitPinas: NBI Arrests 15 Individuals in Mandaluyong Crypto Investment Scam
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