OPERATIVES of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group arrested 41 individuals involved in alleged cybersex activities in simultaneous operations in Valenzuela City and Batangas province on Tuesday.
PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar said the operating units busted the activities of the suspects, disguised as call center agents operating in commercial establishments in Paso de Blas in Valenzuela City and Lipa City.
According to a report from Brig. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, PNP-ACG director, the operations stemmed from information received from concerned citizens through the E-ACCESS (Enhanced, Anti-Cybercrime Campaign, Education, Safety and Security) regarding the suspicious activities of the suspects.
The E-ACCESS is the latest and advanced online verification platform of the PNP in response to the increasing number of cybercrimes launched on July 8.
Investigation disclosed the syndicate members are victimizing LGBT members by offering erotic massage services they can only avail off after paying certain registration fees using credit cards.
Rodriguez said the suspects, who disguised themselves as US-based young and attractive males and females, will block the victims’ online registration after taking at least $50 from each credit card account.
The simultaneous implementation of Warrants to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) led to seizure of several pieces of evidence such as desktop computers that would be subjected to digital forensic examinations for further investigation.
The suspects are now under the custody of Valenzuela City Police Station, Lipa City Police Station and will be charged with violation of Section 4 (c) (1) (Cybersex) of Republic Act No. 10175 or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.”
