PNP: Chinese may face espionage rap

MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese man who was arrested in Makati City last May for possession of communication equipment and other gadgets could face charges of espionage. Col. Jean Fajardo, the chief public information officer of the Philippine National Police, said yesterday the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will seek another cyber warrant from a court to examine digital data in the devices seized from Yuhang Liu.

A digital forensic examination by the Anti-Cybercrime Group showed Liu’s gadgets had contents used for scamming activities.

Police are preparing criminal charges against him for illegal interception and misuse of devices under Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Fajardo said.

She said there are pieces of evidence that indicate the possibility of espionage under the Revised Penal Code, but did not elaborate.

“They found pieces of evidence that may require another issuance of a cyber warrant to examine data for purposes of filing a separate case other than those mentioned,” she said in a news briefing.

She said the evidence includes possible links to espionage.

Fajardo said it is premature to disclose the contents of Liu’s gadgets as the investigation is still ongoing.

Sources said cybercrime investigators examined 18 items seized from Liu, consisting of eight cell phones, nine subscriber identity module cards and a drone.

Police investigators retrieved photographs, videos, links to websites and other data.

Fajardo said Liu managed to post bail last July 3, but he was immediately detained by Bureau of Immigration personnel who carried a mission order against the suspect.

However, Liu would not be deported as he is still facing criminal cases in the country, Fajardo noted.

Liu was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and suspected communication hacking devices in Barangay San Isidro.

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