Over 16,000 cybercrimes logged from January to August 2023 — PNP
(REUTERS / file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has so far recorded over 16,000 cybercrime cases nationwide from January to August this year.
The ACG revealed that it had investigated 16,297 cases of various cybercrime cases, which resulted in the arrest of 397 individuals and the rescue of 4,092 human trafficking victims.
“These cybercrime incidents are not static; they evolve with technology. This year, cybercriminals exploited emerging technologies like Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), cryptocurrencies, and online casinos to defraud unsuspecting victims,” PNP-ACG Director Brigadier General Sidney Hernia said in a statement on Thursday.
“Notably, online scams have become the most prevalent type of cybercrime, reflecting the changing landscape of digital threats,” she added.
The ACG revealed that aside from online scams, illegal access, computer-related identity theft, ATM/ credit card fraud, threats, data interference, anti-photo and video voyeurism, computer-related fraud, and unjust vexation were also among the prevalent types of cybercrimes.
“This surge in cybercrimes is closely tied to the increased reliance on the internet for various commercial activities,” the ACG explained.
