The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed that two Chinese nationals recently arrested in Bacoor, Cavite are suspects in the kidnapping of three foreigners in Nasugbu, Batangas.
According to PNP Public Information Office Chief Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño, the suspects were identified as Huang Yuze and Zhao Li Shan, who were allegedly among seven armed men who abducted two Chinese nationals and one South Korean on May 2.
DZRH first reported the arrest of the two suspects after they attempted to flee from an ‘Oplan Sita’ checkpoint operation in Bacoor on May 3.
They were apprehended by authorities and subjected to further investigation.
In a separate interview at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo revealed that the suspects demanded ransom in the form of cryptocurrency, specifically 200,000 USDT (a digital currency known as Tether).
The victims were reportedly released the following day after their families paid the ransom.
The PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group is now tracing the digital money trail to determine where the funds were sent and how much was actually paid by the victims’ families.
Authorities also noted that this incident bears similarities to the earlier case involving the kidnapping and killing of Anson Que, where cryptocurrency was likewise used for ransom.
Moreover, the PNP revealed that transaction was allegedly routed through casino junket operators White Horse Club and 9Dynasty.
The PNP continues to investigate to identify other individuals involved in the series of crypto-related abductions and to dismantle foreign criminal groups operating in the country.
