NBI-7 arrests Taiwanese in cybercrime raid

CEBU, Philippines — A Taiwanese national was arrested and multiple computer units were seized after agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) raided a residence in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, in connection with alleged cybercrime activities.

The operation, conducted at around 2:30 p.m. on June 4, was implemented under a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) for alleged violation of Section 4(b)(2) of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, particularly for computer-related fraud.

NBI-7 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Heli Tiu led the operation, in coordination with NAVFORSEN, the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) Criminal Investigation Unit, and personnel from Police Station 2 of the LCPO.

Armed with a letter of coordination signed by NBI-7 Regional Director Atty. Renan Augusto Oliva, the operatives arrested the Taiwanese national along with other occupants, tenants, and alleged employees of the property.

The raid resulted in the seizure of multiple desktop computer units allegedly used in the illegal operations.

The implementation of the warrant concluded at around 6 p.m. with no untoward incidents reported.

All arrested individuals and the confiscated equipment are now in the custody of NBI-7 for further investigation and legal proceedings.

A representative from the subdivision’s homeowners’ association, who requested anonymity, told The Freeman that the house was being rented by a Taiwanese national.

“Based sa iyang gihatag nga requirements namo kay Taiwanese siya,” the representative said.

The representative said the association had no knowledge of the activities inside the residence, noting they have no authority to inspect what tenants do in their homes. He said that as long as the necessary documents are submitted, they assume everything is in order.

“This one is residential, dili man ta kaingon nga namaligya sila or unsa kay di man ta kasulod,” he added.

The homeowner said the house was always quiet and that they never noticed any unusual activity.

He noted, however, that they had observed the windows were covered with what appeared to be plastic—an unusual sight for a typical residential home.

Following this incident, the representative said the homeowners’ association is planning to conduct inspections of rental properties, especially those occupied by foreigners, while remaining within the bounds of the law.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Office spokesperson Christian Torres said the commander of Police Station 2 was relieved effective yesterday. —ATO CEBU NEWS