The National Bureau of Investigation present the suspects allegedly involved in a scam luring hapless victims online. INQUIRER.net photo / Tetch Torres-Tupas
MANILA, Philippines — A Nigerian national was killed while seven others were arrested following an operation launched on Thursday by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against a catfishing or “love scam” syndicate in Imus, Cavite.
On Friday, the NBI presented to the media the suspects identified as Kenneth Chuku, Ikenna Dickson Okalla, Chukwuma George Adible, Chiboy Stanley Agbasy, Dim Remedios, Abas Kashmir, and Uba Living.
The slain suspect was identified as Orisakwe Ifeanyi Emmanuel.
The NBI anti-cybercrime agents, armed with a search warrant from the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Imus, Cavite, swooped down on the suspects’ hideout on Thursday and discovered the alleged cybercrime activities of the syndicate involved in victimizing people online.
The NBI said during the apprehension, one suspect, Orisakwe, grabbed a pistol and attempted to shoot at the operatives but was subdued. However, after his pistol fell, Orisakwe turned and grabbed a hand grenade, prompting the agents to fire at him.
Orisakwe was brought to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival, the NBI said.
“‘Yung love scam kasi, ise-sweet talk ka nila online until magkakaroon kayo ng meet up and that will be an opportunity for them to further lure you into making an investment,” NBI cybercrime division operating unit chief Victor Lorenzo said in a press conference.
“We have received information that this group is actually engaged not only in credit card [scam] but also involved in love scam, investment scam, and at the same time they are using the names of government agencies to [lure] individuals not only here in the Philippines but also in other countries,” Lorenzo added.
Items seized from the suspects include six laptops, 11 mobile phones, one skimming device, one hand grenade, one 9-milimeter pistol, eight bundles of fake dollars, various blank cards, security strips, sim cards, and credit cards.
The NBI said The suspects are facing charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 8484, or the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 in relation to RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Presidential Decree 1866 as amended by RA 9516 or the Law on Explosives, and RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions. /jpv