48 held in Parañaque scam hub

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has dismantled an alleged online scam hub in Parañaque following the arrest of 48 people in an operation targeting cyber fraud.

Agents of the NBI Special Action Unit conducted an entrapment operation on April 17 after validating reports about a group engaged in “love scam,” “pig butchering” and cryptocurrency investment fraud.

Of the 48 suspects, 41 are Filipino women. The rest are foreign nationals, the NBI said.

NBI agents discovered a setup resembling a call center, with multiple computer workstations, laptops, mobile phones and internet routers.

The suspects allegedly used fake online profiles to build relationships and gain trust, convincing victims to send money through fabricated emergencies or investment schemes, often coursed through cryptocurrency transactions.