FILIPINOS are now being used as primary agents in sophisticated online scam operations across the country — a trend observed by authorities following a raid in Lapu-Lapu City that led to the arrest of 29 Filipino individuals and two Taiwanese nationals allegedly supervising them.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 Director Rennan Augustus Oliva confirmed this in a press briefing on Friday, June 6, 2025.
The arrests were made during a raid on Wednesday, June 4, at Block 35, Lots 4, 5 and 6 in Vistamar Subdivision, Barangay Mactan, based on three warrants to search, seize and examine computer data issued by Judge Ramon Daomillas Jr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 11 in Cebu City.
According to Oliva, the 29 Filipino agents, both male and female, were operating in individual workstations under the supervision of foreign nationals. They were engaged in illegal online scamming activities that targeted both Filipino and foreign victims.
“That is what is happening now... but what we are seeing is that the majority of the agents or workers are Filipinos,” Oliva said, noting a shift from earlier operations, which were mostly run by foreign nationals.
Crucial role
The Naval Intelligence Security Group played a crucial role in the operation. It joined NBI 7 and its Cebu District Office in conducting about three and a half months of verification and surveillance.
Oliva said the absence of business permits was a common red flag, especially following the government’s crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
The raid led to the apprehension of two Taiwanese nationals, Tsai Chit Ting and Lili Cheng Chi, who allegedly oversaw the Filipino workers. The “scam hub” had reportedly been operating for nearly a year.
The suspects were involved in various fraudulent schemes, including:
Selling fake dating sites, such as “Filipino Cupid,” using fabricated profiles.
Operating multiple social media accounts (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram) to lure victims into romance and cryptocurrency scams.
Managing a fraudulent “Shopee-like” platform — [shopeeavip.martin1707.com](https://www.google.com/search?q=shopeeavip.martin1707.com) — that mimicked legitimate e-commerce sites. Victims discovered the scam only after their orders were not delivered.
Sophisticated designs
Oliva said these scams were difficult to detect due to their sophisticated designs. However, he assured the public that the NBI was working to dismantle the networks.
During the raid, multiple computer systems used to host the fraudulent sites were seized. Barangay Mactan officials, led by Councilor Valentin Baguio, and personnel from the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, including Col. Dyan Agustin, assisted in the inventory.
The suspects were brought to the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, June 5, for inquest proceedings.
Criminal complaints were filed the following day for violation of Section 4(b)(2) (computer-related fraud) under Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The penalty includes imprisonment of six to 12 years and a fine of at least P200,000.
Ongoing probe
Oliva said the investigation is ongoing and involves both Filipino and foreign individuals. The Bureau of Immigration 7 has been notified to check for any prior violations committed by the foreign nationals.
Oliva also urged the public to report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods, especially those related to online scams. He assured whistleblowers that their identities would remain confidential.
Last May 15, agents from the NBI Central Office arrested 17 Taiwanese nationals in Maria Luisa Estate Park. They were allegedly involved in a “romance scam” and identified as members of the “Four Seas Gang,” a Taiwanese criminal group targeting Malaysian and Chinese nationals. Six of the arrested suspects had standing warrants in Taiwan. / CDF