Operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division apprehended ten individuals for human trafficking during a raid in Pasay City on September 6-7.
The NBI Cybercrime Division, in coordination with the NBI Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD), Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD), Technical Intelligence Division (NBI-TID), and Violence Against Women and Children Division (NBI-VAWCD), conducted a raid on Shore Residences.
This operation led to the rescue of twenty-seven trafficking victims and the seizure of various sex toys utilized by the group.
The joint operatives arrested four individuals facilitating the sex trade and three Chinese nationals who engaged in the services of the trafficked victims.
Additionally, in a hot-pursuit operation, they apprehended two Chinese nationals caught in the act of arranging bookings for the rescued victims through Telegram and Messenger platforms.
Finally, with the assistance of the trafficked victims, another hot-pursuit operation led to the arrest of the ringleader of the organized crime group, a Chinese national.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago mentioned that the operation stemmed from the continuous cyber patrolling efforts of the NBI-CCD.
The operatives discovered that the group utilizes various technologies, including online platforms, generative AI, encryption and anonymity tools, and online marketplaces, to facilitate their illegal sex trade, offering trafficked victims for sexual services.
Authorities were able to infiltrate the target group and were able to confirm that the group offers minors for prostitution.
The arrested individuals will face charges for multiple violations of R.A. 11862 or the Anti-Trafficking in Person Act of 2022, in relation to R.A. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
