Philippine Authorities Crack Down on Cryptocurrency and Online Scam Hubs
Manila, Philippines – Philippine authorities have intensified their efforts to dismantle online scam hubs, resulting in a series of raids and arrests across multiple provinces in recent months. These operations targeted both Filipino nationals and foreign individuals allegedly involved in cryptocurrency scams, illegal detention, and other cybercrimes.
On Friday, February 14, 2025, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced the arrest of 17 individuals in Parañaque City, including 12 Chinese nationals and five Filipinos. According to the NBI, the group was allegedly engaged in scamming activities in violation of the Philippine Immigration Act, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA). The five Filipino nationals were also accused of attempting to bribe arresting officers, violating Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code concerning corruption of public officials.
The NBI Cybercrime Division (CCD) and Special Task Force (STF) discovered a fully operational scam hub during the raid. Digital forensic agents examined computer desktops and found evidence of romance scams, messaging applications with fictitious accounts, bank accounts linked to fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, and fake investment schemes.
Just days prior, on January 14, 2025, the NBI conducted a raid in Muntinlupa, reportedly dismantling the technical operations of a scam hub. Details of this operation were not immediately available, but the NBI indicated it targeted the hub’s technical infrastructure.
In Cavite province, authorities uncovered another alleged online scam hub operating within a residential property. On November 15, 2025, agents from the NBI–Cavite North District Office (NBI-CAVIDO North) executed a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD). Eight Chinese nationals – Chen Xing He, Liu Yong Chang, Tang Lao Ya, Xiao Long, Xiao Liu, Liang Yaocai, Li Xiang, and Xiao Kai – were arrested. The search yielded multiple computer units, laptops, and mobile phones, which initial examinations suggested were used in online social engineering schemes.
These operations follow a broader crackdown on cyber scam hubs in the Philippines. In a separate incident on November 20, 2025, eight foreign nationals were arrested in Cavite, according to a report from Gulf News. The NBI announced the arrests following the discovery of the alleged scam hub.
The NBI has also been involved in cases beyond scam operations. On Monday, February 17, 2025, members of the NBI arrested a Chinese national in Parañaque City for alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act. The former NBI chief, Jaime Santiago, presented the suspect to the public.
On February 17, 2026, the NBI also reported the arrest of 20 individuals, including four Chinese nationals, in Pasay City, in connection with an alleged cryptocurrency scam. This operation highlights the growing concern over the use of cryptocurrency in fraudulent activities within the Philippines.
These recent arrests signal a heightened focus by Philippine law enforcement on combating cybercrime and protecting citizens from online scams. Authorities have indicated they will continue to pursue these operations to disrupt criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
