Chinese national nabbed over P2.7 million unauthorized spending

CEBU, Philippines — A 36-year-old Chinese national was arrested after allegedly using another person’s credit card through a digital wallet service to purchase branded items worth P2.7 million at a store inside a hotel, resort, and casino in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City on November 2.

The suspect was identified as Cao Ming, single, and a native of Hubei Sheng, Wuhan, China. He was temporarily staying at a hotel in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

According to the report of Police Station 11, the incident was discovered after the cardholder, identified only as Atty. Ty, received text message notifications informing him of four transactions made using his credit card without his knowledge or authorization.

The four transactions reportedly involved the purchase of 18 branded items totaling P2,704,700 through Apple Pay.

The suspect was turned over to the police at around 2:30 p.m. by the establishment’s senior client advisor, who was accompanied by two security personnel identified as Arnel Magallado Bernadas and Rufino Ciudadano Ramos Jr.

Cao was subsequently brought to Police Station 11 along with the recovered evidence for proper documentation and further investigation.

Police said the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and those provided under the Anti-Torture Act in a language he could understand.

He may face a charge of theft in relation to Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, subject to the outcome of the investigation and the filing of the appropriate complaint. — /MRM (FREEMAN)