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MANILA, Philippines — Elements of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested 39 individuals believed to be involved in phishing activities targeting foreigners during a raid Saturday night.
Elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) and the District Anti-Cyber Crime Unit (DACCU) of QCPD swooped down the offices of Perse Intelect Marketing Campaign Services in Brgy. Greater Lagro, Fairview, Quezon City where they caught the suspects in the act of engaging in illicit activities while disregarding quarantine protocols.
In a statement on Tuesday, QCPD said it arrested company officers, namely: Rose Castolo, company manager; supervisors Jestor Aludino, and Mitch John Esteban; and 36 other workers.
A 17-year old employee, meanwhile, was rescued and turned over to the city’s Social Services Development Department, according to the police.
“The suspects were engaging and operating a phishing scam scheme that targets and victimizes foreign nationals living outside the country,” the QCPD said in a statement.
Police said the suspects failed to present proper documents and business permits for their operation.
The desktops were confiscated and will be subject to digital forensic examination, according to QCPD.
Suspects face multiple complaints for violation of Republic Act 11332 or the law on mandatory reporting of communicable diseases and public health concerns; violation of city ordinance for operating business without permits; RA 10364 or Trafficking in Person especially Women and Children; RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and RA 7610, or the Special Protection against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.