Photo credit: NBI

It was a busy day for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) last October 11, when the Cybercrime Division (CCD) pulled off a big win against cybercrime in Makati City. The operation resulted in the arrest of 17 foreign nationals accused of being involved in large-scale online scamming activities.

Under the leadership of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), the CCD team had been hot on the trail of this organized cybercrime group. Through extensive cyber patrolling and intelligence gathering, the NBI was able to track their suspicious activities. With a search warrant in hand, the CCD, in coordination with the local police, raided a location on Mascardo Street in Tejeros, Makati City.

Once inside, it was a cybercrime investigator’s goldmine. The operatives found a variety of live electronic devices—desktop computers, laptops, and cell phones—being used for illegal online operations. The devices were packed with digital evidence, including tools and apps used for social engineering, illegal access, and computer-related forgery. In short, this group had the whole toolkit for online scams.

The suspects, which included 15 Chinese nationals, one Malaysian, and one Taiwanese, were reportedly caught red-handed, still engaged in their illicit activities when the authorities came knocking. The NBI made sure to explain their arrests and legal rights in a language they could understand before taking them into custody.

Director Santiago had nothing but praise for the CCD team’s effort. “The NBI remains relentless in its battle against cybercriminals,” he emphasized, commending the operatives for their swift and effective action.

Now, the seized electronic devices will undergo further forensic examination to dig deeper into the group’s operations and possibly uncover even more layers to this cybercrime network. With this successful bust, the NBI has sent a strong message: online scammers won’t have an easy time in the Philippines.