DOJ orders criminal probe vs virtual currency firm

Senator Koko Pimentel INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered to place under criminal investigation a company named Digital Currency Co. Ltd. (DCC), a virtual currency firm allegedly using the name of Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to attract clients.

In a department order signed on Thursday, DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II instructed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate DCC and a certain Boy Joven for their virtual “Philippine Global Coin.”

Aguirre ordered NBI Director Dante Gierran to conduct an investigation and case build-up against the company. If evidence warrants, the DOJ chief said appropriate charges should be filed.

Pimentel issued a statement on Monday, January 29, denying any partnership with DCC in releasing its virtual currency.

“I am shocked at their bold claims of an agreement between us using pictures that politicians normally have with visitors,” the Senate President said.

“There is no partnership between me and DCC, or the Senate and DCC,” he stressed.

READ: Pimentel warns: No partnership with digital currency firm

The Senate leader also expressed fear that DCC may be using his name to target overseas Filipino workers.

“I ask our OFWs to be wary of those who use the names of government officials and institutions in investment schemes,” Pimentel warned.

“The government will never engage in activities that will profit off their sacrifices and hard work. Always check with the Philippine Embassy to verify individual claims of this nature,” he added. /jpv