6 more ‘online scammers’ charged

CEBU, Philippines — Six additional individuals are now facing criminal complaints in connection with the  alleged scam hub operating at Cebu I.T. Park, Cebu City, bringing the total number of respondents to 13.

The latest complaints were filed by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7 (RACU 7) on July 25, 2025 and were referred to the Office of the City Prosecutor, Department of Justice, in Guadalupe, Cebu City.

The filing was led by PLTCOL Jumark Caña, Assistant Chief and Team Leader of the Cebu Cyber Response Team, and conducted under the supervision of PLTCOL Wilfredo Velayo Jr., Officer-in-Charge of RACU 7.

The six newly identified respondents—known by their aliases Smakdat, Dan, Tony, Ann, Nav, and Jessa—were charged for violation of Section 11 (Investment Fraud) of Republic Act 11765, or the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The complaint was filed under WSSECD No. 0520-05-2625-07, issued by Regional Trial Court Judge James Stewart Ramon E. Himalaloan, presiding judge of RTC Branch 7, Cebu City.

The accused are believed to be part of an organized online investment fraud operation that targeted unsuspecting individuals through deceptive schemes promising high returns. Authorities said the suspects played various roles in the operation.

“Cyber scammers have no place in Central Visayas. We will find them, charge them, and protect our people,” said PBGEN Redrico A. Maranan, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7), in a statement.

The scam hub first came to light earlier this month. One individual was initially charged on July 4, followed by three more on July 11, and another three on July 18.

The six new complaints filed on July 25 bring the current number of charged respondents to 13.

The case is now docketed for evaluation by the City Prosecutor’s Office, and is awaiting resolution.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against online investment offers that seemed too good to be true and to report suspicious financial activities to law enforcement or cybercrime hotlines.

Investigations are ongoing, and more suspects may be identified as cybercrime units continue to track the digital footprint of the scam network.