MONEY LAUNDERING RAPS FILED VS CRYPTO SCAM SUSPECTS

CHARGES for money laundering under Republic Act 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act) were filed against the suspected operators of an alleged cryptocurrency scam hub at the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and various law enforcement agencies filed the case following a raid at the facilities of the Clark Sun Valley Hub Corporation last May.

More than 1,000 victims of human trafficking, including individuals recruited from overseas, were rescued during the operation.

The IACAT did not indicate the names of the respondents. 

“The collective endeavors of these organizations epitomize an unwavering commitment to combat criminal enterprises that exploit and profit from the trafficking of vulnerable individuals. This case sends a robust message to those involved in such illicit activities that they will be subjected to severe consequences as dictated by the full force of our legal system,” IACAT said in a statement. 

Among the victims were 129 Filipinos while the rest were foreign nationals from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam Nepal, and Taiwan.

Investigations showed that the victims were recruited under the guise of call center agents to convince foreign customers from the United States, Canada, and Europe into investing in cryptocurrencies. 

The victims, primarily male, were instructed to assume false identities as attractive women to entice their targets into investing.

The operation took place on May 4, 2023, on the premises of the Clark Sun Valley Hub Corporation, with search warrants issued by courts. 

The PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) spearheaded the operation, securing search warrants pertaining to violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in conjunction with the Cybercrime Prevention Act from Branch 81 of the Malolos City Regional Trial Court.

Seized during the operation were electronic devices used by the suspects in their illegal activity.