The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested 14 individuals, including a Chinese national, and rescued a 17-year-old minor during a raid on an alleged online scam hub in Parañaque City on August 14.
The operation, carried out by the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit with the Department of Justice–Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, was based on a search warrant for violations of anti-trafficking, cybercrime, and financial scamming laws. It was conducted at Bayport West Garden Residences, Barangay Tambo.
Authorities said the suspects were running an “online task job scam” using the messaging app Telegram, where victims were directed to perform simple online tasks before being lured into depositing money into cryptocurrency accounts. The scheme promised fake profits from these deposits. Vince Lopez
Confiscated items included 70 desktop computers, cellphones, computer peripherals, vaults, dormitory IDs, passports, and cryptocurrency account numbers. The rescued minor was turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano commended the swift action of operatives, saying the raid prevented future scams. He urged the public to report similar schemes and assured that the CIDG will remain relentless in fighting cybercrime and human trafficking.
