MANILA, Philippines — Digital forensic examinations by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on devices seized during the October 29 raid at a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in Ermita, Manila revealed evidence of cryptocurrency and scam activities.
READ: PNP-ACG led Manila Pogo hub raid – NCRPO
In a press briefing at Camp Crame on Thursday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said, “Mayroon na silang nakita na mga ebidensya ng alleged and reported scamming activities and even yung mga cryptocurrencies, which is really the subject ng kanilang cyber-warrant.”
(They have already found evidence of alleged and reported scamming activities, as well as cryptocurrencies, which are the main subject of their cyber-warrant.)
“This is a clear violation nitong (of the) Securities Regulation Code,” she added.
The Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) led the raid alongside the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in October, executing a cyber-warrant against Vertex Technologies in Century Peak Tower in Ermita.
Fajardo said the police force was awaiting the completion of the forensic examination of the equipment, after which it would file cases against the operators and directors of the company.
Administrative relief
Fajardo also confirmed that the PNP prolonged the administrative relief of NCRPO Chief Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia and ACG Chief Maj. Gen. Ronnie Cariaga, due to issues arising from the Century Peak Tower raid.
READ: PNP prolongs administrative relief of NCRPO, ACG chiefs until Nov. 22
Hernia was accused of extorting foreign nationals apprehended during the implementation of the cyber-warrant.
READ: NCRPO chief denies claims of extortion during Manila Pogo raid
Additionally, three ACG personnel were relieved from their posts after they tampered with cameras at the site as police were securing the building following their evidence collection.
Fajardo said Hernia and Cariaga were put on administrative relief as they were “the highest commanders of the units involved.”
The PNP spokesperson, however, still maintained that the operation was “legitimate.”
READ: Flawed, PAOCC says of Manila Pogo hub raid
The raid itself came under fire after the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission denied any hand in the operation, criticizing it as “flawed.”
Hernia and Cariaga are under investigation by a committee led by Acting Deputy Chief for Operations Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria.
The two chief’s administrative relief is set to expire on Friday, November 22.