‘Scam hub’ may face multiple charges, cybercrime violations

CEBU, Philippines — Law enforcers are eyeing possible multiple violations under the Anti-Cybercrime Law after shutting down an alleged scam hub masquerading as a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firm in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, not in a building at Cebu IT Park as mentioned in the viral post.

This, as the Cebu City Business Processing Licensing Office (BPLO) has ordered the company to cease its operations, through the issuance of a show cause order.

Authorities from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) confirmed yesterday that the suspicious operation had already ceased four days earlier, following a viral exposé on social media.

An estimated 30 to 40 individuals were believed to be working for the now-defunct operation, reportedly involved in “love scams” and fake investment solicitations targeting foreigners, mostly from African countries.

The scheme allegedly involved Filipino agents posing as foreigners, using scripted conversations to lure victims into investing money online with the promise of high returns.

Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, PRO-7 director, said the firm’s operations could constitute multiple counts of online fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access to personal data, all punishable under Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Under the Cybercrime Law, offenses such as computer-related fraud and computer-related identity theft carry penalties ranging from six to 12 years of imprisonment and higher, if committed by a syndicate.

"Kami naman sa law enforcement agency sa Philippine National Police ay patuloy kami mag-mamanman, patuloy kaming tatalima sa aming mandato at katulad nito, ito'y nabunyag sa pamamagitan ng Facebook at ng isang hacker," he said.

A show cause order has been issued to the management of the suspected scam hub, as well as those who sub-leased the building space, as confirmed by Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Police Colonel Enrico Figueroa.

Figueroa said police will also be filing formal requests to obtain cyber warrants necessary to access the office’s computers and devices, which were left behind during the abrupt abandonment of the site.

Footage from a viral video posted by content creator “mrwn” showed the firm’s workers actively engaged in online communications designed to deceive and scam individuals.

Figueroa said the legitimacy of the company had already been questioned by neighbors long before the exposé due to the office’s unusual activity.

“Medyo nagdududa sila umpisa pa lang dahil hindi normal. Maraming naghihiyawan, maraming nagtutugtugan, parang hindi legit na office,” he said.

Figueroa added that during the inspection, authorities found computers and personal belongings still on desks, suggesting a hasty exit.

“?Yung mga kagamitan nila dito is included na, package na, kumbaga tao nalang ang kailangan para mag operate," said the city director.

The CCPO has since coordinated with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the City's BPLO to trace the chain of accountability and determine whether the business was ever legally registered.

Officials confirmed that all employees were Filipinos, although their origins and identities are still being verified.

Figueroa also hinted at the possible liability of the building owner, should it be proven that they were aware of the alleged illegal activities taking place under their roof.

Maranan urged the employees to cooperate with the investigation, saying those uninvolved in the alleged scam have a chance to clear their names.

He added that those who go into hiding will be treated as suspects and will be charged accordingly.

Meanwhile, BPLO Head Terrence Saavedra personally served the order, which was posted at the entrance of the BPO facility located in Barangay Kasambagan, upon the order of Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

“l learned about this yesterday after someone sent me a YouTube link. Since it raised serious and potentially international concerns, I directed our BPLO (Business Permit and Licensing Office) to investigate immediately,” Garcia said in a Facebook post yesterday.

The BPO company reportedly began its operations on April 16, 2025, but was forced to shut down on May 19, after going viral on social media.

During an inspection conducted by the BPLO team, they reportedly uncovered multiple violations, such as operating without a valid business registration, failure to renew the Mayor’s Business Permit, non-display of the required business permit, non-issuance of sales invoices and official receipts.

The company has been given 72 hours to respond, in writing, or face further sanctions, including possible closure.

“Yes, there are remedies available to the management. But in the meantime, this alleged syndicate won’t be able to operate. I hope this is enough time for the police to gather evidence and crack the case,” said Garcia.

Initial reports incorrectly identified the second floor of Skyrise 1 at Cebu IT Park as the location of the scam operation.

The MN Law, which is representing the management of Skyrise 1, issued a statement denying any connection.

“A thorough internal investigation and verification of records confirmed that the individuals shown in the video are not tenants of Skyrise 1,” the statement said.

“Skyrise upholds the highest standards of integrity and is firmly committed to full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and building management protocols,” said MN Law. It added that Skyrise management is employing strict vetting and monitoring procedures for all tenants.

The building management also expressed its full cooperation with authorities, especially on matters affecting the safety, security, and reputation of its properties and stakeholders.

On the other hand, the Garden of Envy also issued its official statement on the matter.

“We were made aware of a viral video circulating online that has unfortunately and unfairly dragged the name of Garden of Envy into a situation involving an alleged scam operation within the same building complex,” it said.

The press statement pointed out that the Garden of Envy has no affiliation or connection - direct or indirect - with the operations or individuals shown in the video.

“We are a restaurant and private events venue operating independently on the ground floor of The Gallery, with no involvement in any activities conducted by operations on other floors,” it further said. — Romeo Marantal (FREEMAN)