2 Taiwanese nationals, 29 Filipinos, charged for online love scam

Local

AUTHORITIES have filed cybercrime charges against 31 individuals, including two Taiwanese nationals, after the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas (NBI-7) uncovered a large-scale online love scam operation in a residential area in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.

Criminal complaints for violation of Section 4(b)(2) or Computer-Related Fraud under Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, were formally filed before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, June 6.

The alleged scam hub was discovered following a directive from the Department of Justice and the Office of the Regional State Prosecutor VII, prompting NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago to order an in-depth investigation into rising online scams in the region.

On June 4, around 5:20 p.m., NBI agents implemented three Warrants to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data issued by Cebu City RTC Branch 11 Judge Ramon Daomillas Jr. at Block 35, Lots 4, 5, and 6 in Vistamar Subdivision, Barangay Mactan.

Arrested during the operation were Taiwanese nationals Tsai Chit Ting, 41, and Liu Cheng-Chih, 31, who were allegedly managing the fraudulent operations.

Authorities also apprehended 29 Filipino nationals, both men and women, who acted as agents in the illegal scheme.

According to the NBI 7, the suspects operated out of workstation setups inside the rented properties, engaging in online scamming activities for nearly a year.

Investigators found that they used fake profiles on dating websites such as FilipinoCupid, and on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram to lure unsuspecting victims.

The group also operated a fraudulent e-commerce platform mimicking Shopee, using a fake domain (shopeovip.martin1707.com).

Customers would place orders only to realize later that their purchases were never delivered, resulting in financial losses.

Authorities seized multiple computer systems used to host and operate the scam sites.

The search and inventory were witnessed by Barangay Mactan officials led by Councilor Valentina Martingan, and conducted with the assistance of Police Colonel Dyan V. Agustin, director of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.

The arrested individuals were brought before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office on June 5 for inquest proceedings.

Under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, those found guilty of computer-related fraud may face imprisonment ranging from six to 12 years and a fine of not less than P200,000.(MyTVCebu)