The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a house in Barangay Lagtang, Talisay, Cebu following reports of rampant selling of fake government IDs online.
The raid led to the discovery and confiscation of freshly-made fake IDs, including Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and PhilHealth cards as well as equipment used in their production, such as printers, computers and laminators, the BIR said in a statement.
Authorities also arrested a suspect, who is allegedly a part of a notorious syndicate selling counterfeit IDs online for P150 to P380. To avoid detection, the syndicate arranges for the fake IDs to be picked up from different locations and then delivered through courier services, the BIR said.
“The creation and distribution of fake government IDs not only undermine the integrity of our identification system but also facilitate the proliferation of fraudulent activities that can harm many individuals. We are committed to rooting out these illegal operations and bringing those responsible to justice,” said BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.
