Digital Forensic Unit · PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group

BISTADO MO!: Mga maseselang video, ginagamit sa pananakot at pangingikil! Pribadong video sa binentang cellphone, ginamit sa pananakot.

Paalala mula sa PNP ACG na laging mag "Think Before You Click!".

PNP ACG
News Release

Call Center Agent Arrested for 28 counts of Computer-related Fraud

The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit BAR (RACU BAR) arrested alias “King”, Top 7 Most Wanted Person (Regional Level), on July 3, 2024, at 5:00 PM in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by the Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, for violation of 28 counts of Section 4(b) (2) (Computer-related Fraud) of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) with recommended bail of Php120,000.00 each.

The accused, an employee of the complainant’s company, unlawfully processed a refund transaction involving Apple products worth USD7,878.98 or Php460,500.00 by using the company’s computer system. He initiates the said refund by tagging the customer’s order as “Lost At Delivery (LAD),” despite the fact that the said item was delivered to the intended customer.

PBGEN RONNIE FRANCIS M CARIAGA, Acting Director of the PNP ACG, strongly emphasized that engaging in computer-related fraud carries severe legal repercussions and can lead to significant penalties. “We encourage you to utilize your skills in lawful and ethical endeavors. Your talent and expertise in ICT are highly valued by many private and government offices, offering numerous legitimate career opportunities that can provide a substantial income,” he said.

"If you are aware of individuals involved in any illegal online activities, please report it promptly to the PNP ACG for necessary action," PBGEN CARIAGA added.

Happy Birthday Sec. Benjamin C Abalos Jr

From: PNP ACG

Beware of Pyramid Scheme

PNP ACG
News Release

PNP ACG Arrests Four Suspects involved in Illegal Abortion

The Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team (NDACT) of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) conducted an entrapment operation on July 10, 2024, at 11:30 AM in Caloocan City, Manila, resulting in the arrest of four suspects involved in illegal abortion.

Through intensified social media exploitation and online investigations targeting abortion service providers, NDACT personnel engaged the suspects, and successfully arranged an appointment for abortion services costing Php10,000.00, which led to their arrest.

In light of the situation, PBGEN RONNIE FRANCIS M CARIAGA, Acting Director of the PNP ACG, reminds the public that illegal abortion carries serious legal consequences, including criminal charges, imprisonment, and hefty fines for both providers and individuals seeking abortions. “The PNP ACG strongly urges the public to report any online content offering abortion services for appropriate action,” he stated.

The suspects are facing charges for violations of Article 256 (Intentional Abortion) of the Revised Penal Code, Section 10 of RA 4224 (The Hospital Licensure Act), RA 2382 (The Medical Act of 1959), Section 30 of RA 10918 (Pharmacy Law), all in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

PNP ACG
News Release

From Love Affair to Nightmare, the Dark Side of Online Dating

The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 4A (RACU 4A) arrested alias “Kylo” in an entrapment operation on June 24, 2024, 7:20 PM at a drive-in hotel in Tagaytay City, Cavite.

According to the victim, the suspect had been her online boyfriend in 2021. During their virtual relationship, they engaged in online sexual activities via video calls and exchanged explicit photos and videos. However, that online relationship eventually ended. And recently, the victim received a message from the suspect, demanding a meet-up and threatening to spread her n**e photos and videos if she did not comply with his demands.

The suspect faced charges under RA 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009), RA 11313 (Safe Space Act), Article 286 (Grave Coercion), and Article 178 (Using Fictitious Name and Concealing True Name) of the Revised Penal Code, all in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

“Let us all exercise caution in our online activities. Avoid sending explicit photos or videos to anyone, as these could potentially be used against you. If you receive any threats or experience online abuse, promptly report to the nearest PNP ACG office for proper action," emphasized PBGEN RONNIE FRANCIS M CARIAGA, Acting Director of the PNP ACG.

PNP ACG
News Release

Cybercrime Cases Decreased by 36.16% in the 1st Semester of 2024

In contrast to the 12,808 cybercrime incidents reported in the 1st semester of 2023, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) witnessed a 36.16% decrease in the same period of 2024, recording 8,177 incidents.

In the 1st semester of 2024, the top 3 most prevalent crimes had a significant reduction. The online selling scams dropped dramatically from 3,468 to 1,613 cases. Similarly, investment/tasking scams decreased from 1,001 to 650 cases, and the debit/credit card fraud declined from 736 to 528.

The significant decrease in cybercrime cases can be attributed to the proactive directive from PNP Chief, PGEN ROMMEL FRANCISCO D MARBIL, who stated, “We are deploying more resources and enhancing our capabilities to tackle these crimes head-on. Our goal is to protect our citizens not just in the physical world but also in the digital realm."

Likewise, the collaboration of PNP ACG with stakeholders, local and foreign counterparts, internet intermediaries, and various law enforcement agencies, has played a crucial role in the enhancement of the security measures and bolstered cybercrime investigations.

“The PNP ACG is profoundly grateful for the support from the PNP Chief and other stakeholders in the fight against cybercrime. We are steadfast in our commitment to apprehending these cybercriminals and ensuring a safer environment for everyone,” emphasized PBGEN RONNIE FRANCIS M CARIAGA, Acting Director of the PNP ACG.

Beware of Hospital Bill Scam

May natanggap na message from “GCash” asking you to verify your account via “link”? Oops! ‘Wag agad i-click dahil scam link ‘yan!

GCash will NEVER ask you to verify your account outside the GCash App! Laging tandaan, GCash will NEVER send links kaya iwasan ang pag-click para !

Supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Chat with Gigi inside the GCash app or visit the Help Center to learn more.

PNP ACG
News Release

Illegal Wildlife Trade: NDACT Busts Online Seller of Leopard Gecko

The Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team (NDACT), in coordination with the Jose Abad Santos Police Station 7, Manila Police District (MPD) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), conducted an entrapment operation that resulted in the successful arrest of alias Kelvin on July 4, 2024, at 8:30 PM in Jose Abad Santos, Manila, for the illegal sale of Leopard Gecko.

Through the intensified social media exploitation and online investigations targeting illegal online traders of wildlife species particularly, Leopard Geckos on various Facebook groups and pages, NDACT personnel effectively engaged and persuaded the suspect to proceed with a physical transaction.

PBGEN RONNIE FRANCIS M CARIAGA, Acting Director of the PNP ACG, stated, “The two rescued Leopard Geckos were unlawfully removed from their natural habitat and sold without proper documentation. The geckos have been safely handed over to the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the DENR for proper care and assessment.”

The suspect faces charges under RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

PBGEN CARIAGA urges the public to report anyone involved in illegal wildlife trade online to the PNP ACG to ensure swift action.

PNP ACG
News Release

Illegal Wildlife Trade: PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Nets Online Seller of Burmese Pythons

The Cyber Financial Crime Unit (CFCU) of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), in coordination with the Manila Police District and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), conducted an entrapment operation that resulted in the successful arrest of alias Red on July 4, 2024, at 9:33 PM in Tondo, Manila, for the illegal sale of Burmese Python.

The operation stemmed from a transaction with the suspect who was identified to have posted regarding the sale of Burnese Pythons on Facebook. After negotiating a price of Php6,000.00 for the exotic animal, the suspect agreed to a meet-up, which led to his arrest.

PBGEN RONNIE FRANCIS M CARIAGA, Acting Director of the PNP ACG, stated, “The two rescued Burmese pythons were turned over to the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the DENR. These pythons are classified as endangered, critical, and vulnerable species, emphasizing the urgent need for their protection.”

The suspect faced charges under RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

PBGEN CARIAGA urged the public to report anyone involved in the illegal wildlife trade online to the PNP ACG to ensure swift action.

Pagcor chief to name ex-Cabinet official linked to illegal POGOs The head of the Philippine gaming regulator is ready to identify the former Cabinet official who is allegedly linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), an official said Monday.

What is Task Scam?

PNP ACG
News Release

RACU 5 Busts Scammer offering Online Processing of
PhilHealth ID Card

The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 5 (RACU 5) arrested alias “Emie” in an entrapment operation on June 10, 2024, at 1:17 PM in Daraga, Albay, for violation of Article 172 (Falsification of Public Document) of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

The operation emanated from the complaint of a representative from PhilHealth Region 5 that the suspect is charging One Thousand Seventy-Five Pesos (Php1,075.00) for online processing of PhilHealth ID Cards, promising a 1–2-week processing time, which is against the policy of PhilHealth.

PBGEN RONNIE FRANCIS M CARIAGA, Acting Director of the PNP ACG, emphasizes the importance of being cautious in doing online transactions. "Verify the legitimacy of the services offered by the companies or agencies before engaging in online transactions. If you have information about anyone involved in this illegal activity, please report it promptly to PNP ACG for appropriate action," he said.