Police File Charges Against 3 Alleged Online Swindlers
In Cebu City, Philippines, the Anti-Cybercrime Group 7 (ACG 7) has indicted three individuals associated with BMJ Data Processing Services, an alleged online scam hub stationed at The Gallery in Barangay Kasambagan. The legal action follows a May 27, 2025, operation that involved serving a warrant to confiscate and scrutinize digital data from the company's computers and laptops. The warrant was granted by Judge James Stewart Ramon Himalaloan of RTC Branch 7 in Cebu City.
The suspects are charged with violating Section 11 of Republic Act (RA) 11765, or the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, in connection with Section 6 of RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The alleged fraudulent activities, which reportedly victimized international consumers, first came to light through a foreign YouTuber who claimed to have breached the company's system, including their security cameras.
Upon public exposure and identification of the office location, the Philippine National Police (PNP) promptly launched an operation. During the raid, authorities seized 43 computer sets, laptops, and other equipment. These devices are currently undergoing forensic examination for evidence in the evolving legal proceedings.
In a related development, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has pledged to strengthen their counter-cybercrime efforts in Central Visayas. FBI Legal Attaché Courtney Corbet held a courtesy call with Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Central Visayas' police chief, on May 29. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and collaboration between Manila and Washington to combat cybercrime and eradicate scam hubs in the region.
The FBI has offered its support to the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) in gathering digital evidence, sharing intelligence, and assisting in prosecuting cybercriminals. PRO-7 director Maranan welcomed the commitment, recognizing its critical role in addressing technologically-driven crimes. He stated, "Cybercrime transcends borders. These offenders exploit technology and jurisdictional gaps." Maranan added that this partnership with the FBI would equip authorities with the necessary tools, training, and tactical support to trace the networks of cybercriminals and bring them to justice.
Many deceptive scams operating in Region 7 under the guise of legitimate Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms have entered the spotlight, siphoning off millions of pesos through their illicit practices. "Our mission is clear: We will not let Central Visayas become a haven for cybercriminals," Maranan vowed. The FBI is also examining the seized computer sets, currently in ACG custody, for evidence pertaining to their own related case filings concerning the investment scam.
- The ongoing legal proceedings in Cebu City involve three individuals who are accused of violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, in connection with an online scam business established at The Gallery in Barangay Kasambagan.
- The alleged crime, with international victims, was first exposed through a foreign YouTuber's claim of breaching the company's system, including their security cameras.
- In a related development, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has declared plans to enhance their counter-cybercrime efforts in Central Visayas, promising support to the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) in gathering digital evidence, sharing intelligence, and assisting in prosecuting cybercriminals.
- Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Central Visayas' police chief, emphasized the importance of this partnership with the FBI, stating that cybercrime transcends borders and that this collaboration would equip authorities with the necessary tools, training, and tactical support to trace the networks of cybercriminals and bring them to justice.
