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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025
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Major Online Scam Operation Busted in Lapu-Lapu City: 31 Arrested Including Taiwanese Nationals
National Bureau of Investigation apprehends individuals linked to extensive online fraud activities.
On June 4, 2025, authorities in Lapu-Lapu City arrested thirty-one individuals, including two Taiwanese nationals, as part of a crackdown on a large-scale online scamming operation.
The arrests were executed during a raid at a location in Vistamar Subdivision, Barangay Mactan, based on warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City.
The raid, conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas (NBI 7), was facilitated by the regional court's approval, allowing officials to search, seize, and examine computer data.
Among those arrested were Liu Cheng-Chihi, 31, and Tsai Chit Ting, 41, identified as supervisors of the operation, who were overseeing a group of twenty-nine Filipino agents engaged in fraudulent activities.
The suspects are facing charges under Section 4(b)(2) of Republic Act 10175, known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, specifically concerning computer-related fraud.
Investigators revealed that the illegal operations had been ongoing for nearly a year prior to the raid.
During the operation, authorities seized various computer systems allegedly integral to hosting fraudulent websites associated with the scams.
These scams reportedly involved the use of fake online profiles on dating platforms like Filipino Cupid, as well as the creation of false social media accounts across various platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram.
Additionally, the operation included the establishment of fraudulent e-commerce sites that mimicked well-known platforms such as Shopee, with the intent to deceive users into making purchases that would ultimately lead to financial loss when ordered goods failed to be delivered.
The operation was carried out in conjunction with local barangay officials, including Councilor Valentina Martingan, and the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, under the direction of Police Director Dyan V. Agustin.
Following the arrests, the suspects were taken to the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings, where they will face potential penalties that include a prison term of six to twelve years, alongside fines exceeding 200,000 Pesos, if convicted.
The arrests were executed during a raid at a location in Vistamar Subdivision, Barangay Mactan, based on warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City.
The raid, conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas (NBI 7), was facilitated by the regional court's approval, allowing officials to search, seize, and examine computer data.
Among those arrested were Liu Cheng-Chihi, 31, and Tsai Chit Ting, 41, identified as supervisors of the operation, who were overseeing a group of twenty-nine Filipino agents engaged in fraudulent activities.
The suspects are facing charges under Section 4(b)(2) of Republic Act 10175, known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, specifically concerning computer-related fraud.
Investigators revealed that the illegal operations had been ongoing for nearly a year prior to the raid.
During the operation, authorities seized various computer systems allegedly integral to hosting fraudulent websites associated with the scams.
These scams reportedly involved the use of fake online profiles on dating platforms like Filipino Cupid, as well as the creation of false social media accounts across various platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram.
Additionally, the operation included the establishment of fraudulent e-commerce sites that mimicked well-known platforms such as Shopee, with the intent to deceive users into making purchases that would ultimately lead to financial loss when ordered goods failed to be delivered.
The operation was carried out in conjunction with local barangay officials, including Councilor Valentina Martingan, and the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, under the direction of Police Director Dyan V. Agustin.
Following the arrests, the suspects were taken to the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings, where they will face potential penalties that include a prison term of six to twelve years, alongside fines exceeding 200,000 Pesos, if convicted.
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