TWENTY-FOUR individuals have been formally charged by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (Racu) 7 in connection with a scam hub uncovered at BMJ Data Processing Services, located in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City.
The illicit operation was exposed when an American hacker infiltrated the company’s computer systems and CCTV cameras, revealing fraudulent activities targeting foreign customers.
This led to a police raid on May 27, 2025, during which authorities seized 43 computer units, laptops and other electronic devices from the premises.
The charges follow a series of legal actions starting July 1.
The initial case was filed against the alleged scam hub operator, identified by the alias “Tonying,” a resident of Barangay Lahug, Cebu City. Subsequent charges were filed on July 11 and 18 against three individuals each and six more on July 25 — including a woman noted for singing the song “Smack That.” On Friday, Aug. 1, 11 additional suspects were charged, bringing the total number to 24.
The accused face charges for violating Section 11 (Investment Fraud) of Republic Act (RA) 11765, also known as the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act. These charges are supported by substantial digital evidence, including CCTV footage obtained from their office.
The suspects have been identified by the following aliases: Frank, Judelyn, Benson, Bryll Anthony, Lilidel, Esperanza, Benedict, Joseph James, Rex Chilton, Shaira and Rowel.
Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, head of the Police Regional Office 7, emphasized the progress made with every case filed towards identifying all individuals involved in the scam.
He assured the public that no one involved in this complex scheme will evade justice, underscoring the strong digital and physical evidence in Racu 7’s possession.
“With every case filed, we are getting closer to identifying and charging all individuals caught on CCTV and other digital evidence. This is a clear message: no one involved in this elaborate scam will escape the law. Each one will be held accountable,” said Maranan.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any additional suspects seen in videos released by the American hacker, which could lead to further charges as the investigation unfolds.
BMJ Data Processing Services operated under the guise of a legitimate business, presenting itself as a Business Process Outsourcing company. However, it is believed to have targeted foreign senior citizens and other victims with fraudulent investment schemes and online scams, including a so-called “Quantum AI” Bitcoin trading system. The company was not authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission to solicit investments, warning the public against involvement in its schemes.
The operation allegedly used high-pressure sales tactics typical of “boiler room” scams, with agents posing as licensed financial representatives from fictitious entities, convincing victims to invest a minimum of $250 with promises of high returns and fast withdrawals — none of which were legitimate.
The discovery and subsequent police raid followed viral exposure by a foreign YouTube blogger who ethically hacked into BMJ’s systems, unveiling the full extent of the scam.
This prompted a coordinated investigation involving the Philippine National Police, Cebu City Police Office, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and other agencies. Notably, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Legal Attaché in the United States also engaged with Philippine authorities to aid the probe.
Charges brought under investment fraud and cybercrime laws carry penalties that may include imprisonment of up to 21 years and fines reaching P5 million, depending on the case outcomes.
This case underlines heightened vigilance by police authorities in Central Visayas against cyber-enabled financial crimes exploiting vulnerable populations through elaborate online fraud schemes. / AYB
