MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation Special Action Unit arrested 124 Chinese nationals during a raid on an alleged “lust scam” operation inside a call center-type hub along Ayala Avenue in Makati City.
The group allegedly used fake escort services to lure and scam fellow Chinese nationals online. Authorities found computers with photos of women, including alleged nude images, which were reportedly used in the operation.
NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said the operation stemmed from an intelligence report and was carried out through a search warrant and cyber warrant.
“Nag-enforce kami ng search warrant at cyber warrant dahil there is a report of scam, love scam, ano ba ba yung mga scam na yun. So ginagamit yung isang lugar na yan sa Makati na may report sa amin na ganito sa intel report. So we’re able to apprehend, nakuha namin 120-something,” Matibag said.
The NBI said the alleged scheme went beyond the usual love scam, with victims reportedly being encouraged to share explicit videos that could potentially be used for blackmail.
Matibag said the alleged victims were not limited to Chinese nationals, adding, “Halo-halo na yung binibiktima na narito. Foreigners and Filipino allies.”
The arrested individuals have been subjected to complaints and may face charges for computer fraud. Authorities are also checking the immigration status of the foreign nationals.