POLICE authorities have now identified three personalities possibly behind an investment scam operating in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City.
The suspects, who have not yet been named by police, include officials of BMJ Data Processing Services. They are now under investigation.
This development came after members of the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) 7 raided the office of BMJ Data Processing Services based on a search warrant.
About 43 computers, laptops, and other equipment were confiscated during the operation.
The search warrant was issued by RTC Branch 7 Judge James Stewart Ramon Himalaloan on May 26, 2025, due to possible violations of Section 11 of Republic Act 11765 (Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act), in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
Reports claimed BMJ Data Processing Services was allegedly involved in an investment scam first exposed by a foreign YouTuber and hacker.
According to reports, the hacker managed to penetrate the company’s computer system, including its CCTV camera.
The operation was joined by members of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) led by Col. Enrico Figueroa, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 7, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, and the Business Permit and Licensing Office of Cebu City.
According to CCPO Deputy Director for Operations Lt. Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay, the confiscated devices are now in the custody of the ACG 7. They will also return the search warrant to the issuing court.
“Right now, our Racu-7 (Regional Anti-Crime Unit) has identified three personalities, and of course, we will be impleading the juridical entity as well and its officers,” Macatangay said.
The CCPO assured that police will monitor the three personalities to prevent them from leaving Cebu and the Philippines. This is to ensure that if a case is filed, they can be immediately arrested should a warrant of arrest be issued.
The next step is to examine the contents of the computers to gather evidence that can be used to file cases against those involved.
Investigators are also looking into whether the lessor of the building who subleased it to BMJ Data Processing Services has any accountability. The lessor had earlier denied knowledge of BMJ’s illegal activities, claiming they were unaware of how the company was being run.
Macatangay said if a witness emerges and police can gather enough evidence pointing to the involvement of the building’s lessor in the company’s illegal activities, they will be included in the filing of charges.
Macatangay further explained that the cooperation of the company’s call center agents would greatly help the investigation and the filing of cases, as they can provide information regarding the nature of the activities they were conducting.
The CCPO and ACG-7 are already coordinating with employees of BMJ Data Processing Services. However, some of them have remained fearful, which is why police investigators are giving them more time to think. / AYB