THE National Bureau of Investigation – Pampanga District Office (NBI-PAMDO) and the military intelligence of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), under the guidance and supervision of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), implemented a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) at a condominium in Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Porac, Pampanga.
The case stemmed from the information that the aforementioned premises operate as an illegal online gambling hub without a license from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Acting on the said information, WSSECD for Illegal Online Gambling under Presidential Decree No. 1602 in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) was applied for and granted by the Presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 81, Malolos City, Bulacan.
The operation led to the arrest of four Korean nationals: Kim Minha, Kim Haesu, Kim Minsuu and Jang Jin .
During the operation, authorities seized computer devices and online gambling paraphernalia. The arrested individuals were subsequently indicted for illegal online gambling under Presidential Decree No. 1602 in relation to Republic Act No. 10175.
As part of the investigation, the NBI-PAMDO agents, in collaboration with Interpol , the Korean Embassy, and the Korean National Police Agency, discovered that Kim Minha and Kim Haesu were Korean fugitives wanted for prosecution by the Korean government. Both individuals have been issued an Interpol Red Notice.
Based on records, Kim Minha and Kim Haesu I are members of a Korean voice phishing syndicate operating in the Philippines since 2017. They defrauded their victims by posing as bankers, amassing approximately USD 840,000.00 from their scams. The Chuncheon District Court of the Republic of Korea has issued an arrest warrant for fraud (Criminal Act 347-(1)) against the two (2).
The case is scheduled for trial at RTC Branch 115 in Angeles City. Subjects Kim Minha and Kim Haesu are currently detained at the NBI-PAMDO.
Santiago lauded NBI-PAMDO and PAF intelligence for the successful law enforcement operation and for establishing international collaboration with counterparts to arrest fugitives hiding in the country.
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