Photo credit: NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has apprehended members of a hacking syndicate, including two high-profile hackers, in operations spanning Tagaytay City and Quezon City.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago disclosed that the arrests, conducted on July 16, 2024, were part of a meticulous operation led by the NBI-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD). The operation successfully nabbed "HAXINJA" and "D4rkJ1n", who were found in possession of sensitive military data illegally obtained from the Philippine Navy's database.

"HAXINJA", who was apprehended in Cagayan de Oro City, had been in communication with a confidential informant, arranging to exchange access codes for military files. This exchange was part of a scheme to compromise national security through unauthorized access.

Simultaneously, "D4rkJ1n" was intercepted in Cubao, Quezon City, attempting to evade capture on a motorcycle taxi. CCD operatives swiftly apprehended him at the intersection of EDSA and Main Avenue after a brief chase.

Both hackers face multiple charges under various cybercrime laws, including violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Data Privacy Act. Director Santiago commended the NBI's relentless efforts in safeguarding critical national infrastructure and pledged continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies to combat cyber threats.