The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) recently launched a large-scale raid in Parañaque City, Metro Manila, dismantling a telecom fraud syndicate operating under the guise of "online order brushing" and arresting 14 suspects, including a Chinese national woman, and successfully rescuing a 17-year-old female victim.
The operation, ordered by PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III, was jointly conducted by the CIDG's Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU) and the Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), targeting the Bayport West Garden Residences apartment in Parañaque City. The operation lasted from the early morning of August 14 until the afternoon, during which the police arrested the suspects on the spot and seized a large amount of evidence, confirming the location as a professional scam center.
The investigation revealed that the gang mainly operated through Telegram: each member controlled hundreds of accounts to mass-send fake links, enticing victims to participate in "order brushing tasks," then guiding them to open Binance accounts and make deposits, with funds ultimately transferred to a wallet controlled by the involved Chinese woman. The suspects deceived victims with promises of high-interest dividends, ultimately absconding with the funds.
At the scene, 70 computers, numerous mobile phones, access cards, passports, and documents were seized, further confirming the fraudulent nature of the operation. The police also rescued a 17-year-old girl suspected of being forced to participate, who has now been placed under the care of the social welfare department.
The police emphasized their commitment to continue combating transnational telecom fraud and urged the public to report suspicious clues promptly to help curb the spread of crime.
