4 nabbed for illegally selling SIM cards in Quezon City and Laguna
(Stock photo of SIM cards)
MANILA, Philippines — Four individuals were arrested in separate operations in Laguna province and Quezon City for illegally selling registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards.
Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) made the report released on Friday.
The Calabarzon police anti-cybercrime unit discovered a suspect online advertising a bundle of a fully verified e-wallet account and a SIM card priced at P800.
An officer arranged to meet the suspect and an accomplice, both of whom the ACG did not identify.
The two persons were arrested in Cabuyao town, Laguna, at 4:40 p.m. on Jan. 13.
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Another report made public on Friday by the ACG said its Cyber Financial Crime Unit (CFCU) identified one suspect, named “JP.”
JP was selling an e-wallet account with an automated teller machine (ATM) card and an online banking account worth P3,000.
Authorities nabbed the man after meeting him along Mayon Street in Quezon City at around 12:58 p.m. on Jan. 14.
At 2:32 p.m. also on Jan. 14, the anti-cybercrime units of both the Northern Police District and the Quezon City Police District arrested a suspect, identified only as “Arvin,” for selling his registered SIM card.
The SIM card was linked to a verified e-wallet account and was priced at P2,300, the ACG explained in a separate report.
“Arvin” was taken by operatives along General Araneta Avenue in Cubao, Quezon City.
The ACG said all four suspects were charged with violations of the SIM Registration Act, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
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“If you know someone involved in the illegal online sale of registered SIM cards, report it immediately to the PNP ACG so we can take appropriate action. Together, we can create a safer cyberspace for everyone,” Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said in a statement.
“It is crucial to adhere to the law and avoid involvement in such online illegal transactions to protect oneself and prevent the spread of cybercrime,” he added.
