Former POGO security personnel arrested for selling "betting SMS transmitters" on social media!

Philippine police seized an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher from a former offshore gambling operator (POGO) security personnel during a sting operation in Pasay City. This device, capable of mass SMS broadcasting, may be involved in fraudulent activities.

Brigadier General Bernard Yang, head of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), revealed that the suspect had previously advertised the device for sale on social media for 600,000 pesos, attracting law enforcement attention. An undercover operation was subsequently launched, and the sting was successfully executed on Thursday along Roxas Boulevard.

The device, known as "Yellowfin" or "fake base station," can mimic legitimate mobile phone towers, tricking nearby phones into connecting. Once connected, the IMSI catcher can capture the device's identification code (IMSI number), allowing for tracking user location, intercepting SMS, calls, and data traffic. As it does not rely on databases, SIM cards, or WiFi, this technology is often used by criminals for SMS fraud, political propaganda, or spreading false information.

Officer Yang warned, "If such devices fall into the hands of cybercriminals, they pose a significant threat to the public."

Investigations revealed that the suspect had purchased the device from his former employer. With the Philippine government intensifying crackdowns and shutting down illegal POGO companies, the device might have been used for unlawful activities. Police speculate that the device had previously been used to mass-send messages containing false or misleading links.

The suspect will now face charges for violating National Telecommunications Commission regulations and data privacy laws. Regarding the case details, the suspect refused to respond to the media, stating that he would issue a statement through his lawyer. Police are still investigating the specific identity of the related company and continue to probe other illegal uses of the device.