63 NABBED IN ONLINE INVESTMENT SCAM HUB RAID IN PASIG

A MAJOR cyber enforcement operation led by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), in close coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Department of Justice – Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Pasig City local government, resulted in the arrest of 63 suspects and the dismantling of a suspected large-scale online investment scam hub in Pasig City.

The raid was conducted on May 20, 2026 through the implementation of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data.

Among the arrested suspects was a 55-year-old foreign national identified by the alias “Boss,” believed to have played a key leadership role in the scheme.

Authorities uncovered an organized online operation that presented itself as a legitimate call center and investment assistance company.

Victims were reportedly drawn in through online advertisements and messaging platforms and later encouraged to invest in a trading scheme under the name “XTRADE,” where individuals posing as financial advisers maintained constant communication to sustain deposits and manage account activity.

Further investigation showed that the operation was highly structured, with assigned roles for online promotion, client engagement, and retention efforts, all designed to simulate legitimate investment activity.

Verification with regulators confirmed that the entities involved were not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and had no authority to solicit investments from the public.

The case was triggered by multiple complaints from individuals who reported significant financial losses after being engaged through persistent online messaging and deceptive investment presentations.

Authorities also confirmed that the foreign national tagged as “Boss” has an existing warrant of arrest issued by a Pasig City Regional Trial Court involving multiple tax-related charges. The warrant was served during custodial procedures on May 25, 2026.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. underscored the importance of sustained and coordinated action against evolving cyber fraud schemes.

“These groups are becoming more sophisticated in how they operate online, but our law enforcement response is also becoming faster, sharper, and more united,” Nartatez said.

“Hindi tayo papayag na patuloy na maloko at mabiktima ang ating mga kababayan. The PNP, together with our partner agencies, will continue to act with urgency and resolve,” he added.

Cyber-related cases have been filed against arrested individuals.

The operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, reinforcing intelligence-led coordination and inter-agency convergence in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify efforts against cyber-enabled financial crimes and protect the investing public.

Guided by the principle “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” the PNP remains firm in its commitment to disrupt online fraud networks and safeguard the public from deceptive digital schemes.