TWO Malaysian nationals were arrested from a hotel in Cebu City on July 28, 2025, after authorities seized high-powered IMSI catchers allegedly used for illegal signal interception.
The joint operation was conducted by members of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7, the Cybercrime Investigation Coordination Center (CICC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
NBI 7 Director Rennan Augustus Oliva told reporters on Monday, Aug. 11, that the suspects were caught using the IMSI catchers to capture cellphone signals and duplicate personal information without proper authorization.
Oliva clarified that operating these devices without a valid license from the National Telecommunications Commission is illegal.
He added that this marks the first seizure of such equipment in Cebu, though similar devices have been confiscated previously in Manila.
CICC Cybercrime investigator Edwin Velasco and Department of Information and Communications Technology 7 Cybersecurity head Royden Rusiana said that the laptops, raspberry pi’s, antennas and other modular set ups in the premises are cellular and data sniffers.
Velasco and Rusiana added that the modules and antennas are powerful enough to intercept data from networks up to 5G.
Warrant
On Wednesday, Aug. 5, NBI 7 secured a warrant to search, seize and examine computer data (WSSECD), authorized by Judge Ramon Daomilas Jr. of the Cebu Regional Trial Court Branch 11.
On Friday, Aug. 8, NBI 7 agents went to the hotel to examine the seized devices, as the warrant authorized agents to seize and examine the devices to pursue appropriate criminal charges.
While the two suspects remain detained by the BI for immigration violations, criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, will be filed following the examination of the seized devices, said Oliva.
Violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act carries penalties ranging from six to 12 years imprisonment and fines of at least P200,000.
In cases where critical infrastructure is targeted, penalties increase to 12 years and one day up to 20 years, with fines not less than P500,000.
Oliva urged the public to remain vigilant against such cyber scams and report any suspicious activities or equipment to authorities. / DPC