The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 12 Chinese nationals for scamming activities and five Filipinos for bribing arresting officers in a joint operation conducted on January 8, 2025.
The NBI-Cybercrime Division (CCD) and Special Task Force (STF) assisted the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in implementing a Mission Order at RI Rance Corporate Center II, ASEANA City, Tambo, Parañaque City. The operation aimed to verify the immigration status of foreign nationals suspected of violating the Philippine Immigration Act.
During the operation, authorities discovered an operational scam hub, which contained active computers used for romance scams, fictitious messaging accounts, fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, and fake investment solicitations.
The arrested Chinese nationals were identified as Xu Chao, Meng Wei Shi, Xing Chao, Qin Hai Feng, Li Xiang Hua, Zhang Wei, Wang Qin Xiang, Wang Jia Fa, Jiang Qi Long, Luo Shang Fen, Qixin Wang, and Chen Jiang Song.
While preparing to transport the suspects, a Filipino-Chinese interpreter, Ezechiel Bernales, approached the NBI operatives, claiming to represent the arrested individuals. He offered PHP 3.6 million in exchange for their release.
An entrapment operation was conducted on January 10, 2025, leading to the arrest of Bernales and four others: Robustiano Hizon, John Abunda Villanueva, Kristoffer Ryan Habelito Baguna, and Hanif Mala Bautil.
The 12 Chinese nationals face charges for Computer-Related Forgery under Section 4(b)(1) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), Social Engineering Schemes, and Economic Sabotage under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (RA 12010).
The five Filipinos have been charged with Corruption of Public Officials under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code.
