Authorities arrest four persons, including an American, on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, for allegedly operating a cybersex ring in Pampanga province. Photo from PNP-PIO
MANILA, Philippines — Law enforcers have arrested an American and his three accomplices for allegedly operating a cybersex den in Angeles City, Pampanga, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Wednesday.
The PNP identified the suspects as Easton Scot Sanderson, 34; Reneilyn Robles, 22; Jann Mondejar, 23; and Shirley Martinez, 22. They were collared Tuesday evening in Sanderson’s house in Barangay Malabanias.
Two women aged 18 and 19 were also rescued by police during the operation.
According to authorities, the Police Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-3 led by Lt. Col. Nelvin Ricohermoso hatched the operation against the suspects, who were allegedly recruiting women and forcing them to engage in sexual acts that will then be recorded and uploaded on pornographic sites.
The PNP said its Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) will conduct further investigation to identify the pornographic sites where the suspects uploaded the videos, and use them as evidence in the complaints.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Idebrandi Usana said the ACG has been working with the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) to address transnational crimes such as cybercrime and human trafficking in the country.
The PNP said the four suspects will be charged for violating the Anti-Human Trafficking Act in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.