Operatives of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group ( ACG) have arrested in San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan a Taiwanese and his two Filipino accomplices for allegedly selling some 7,000 previously registered subscriber identification module (SIM) cards.
The suspects were identified as Cheng Tsung Huang (alias “Rodney Serrano”), Rosemarie de Juan and Rodolfo de Juan Jr.
The ACG agents seized from the suspects 13 mobile phones, three iPad tablet units, 6,976 assorted SIM cards, and dubious documents.
ACG spokesperson Capt. Michelle Sabino said the raid was launched following intelligence information on the suspects’ activities which she said have been ongoing since August last year before the enactment of the SIM Card Registration Act.
Sabino asserted that the suspects were selling the pre-registered SIM cards to scammers who would then use them to carry out fraudulent activities.
“They buy SIM cards at P400, those that are registered, and verified digital wallets such as (virtual wallet) GCash. It can be used in a lot of scams like investment scams,” Sabino explained.
The ACG said registered SIM cards were mostly bought in the provinces.
The PNP warned the public against buying pre-registered SIM cards which is punishable under the law.
“You are liable because those are registered under your name. The police will go after you. It’s like being a money mule,” Sabino said.