DOJ indicts 4 in BDO bank fraud probe

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday indicted four individuals following its investigation of the fraud that hit BDO bank accounts in December 2021.

According to a press briefer, the DOJ prosecutors indicted Jherom Anthony Taupa, Nigerian national Ifesinachi Fountain Anaekwe, Ronelyn Panaligan, Luka Hanabi, and Clay Revillosa y Sevilla.

The panel also referred to the complaint against Nigerian national Chukwuemeka Peter Nwadi for the conduct of further investigation.

“[The] tasks of these 5 individuals are compartmentalized – that is, their respective participations are vital, without which, fraudulent transfers or illegal access of online accounts would not be possible,” the DOJ said.

According to the DOJ, the National Bureau of Investigation – Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) equated the modus operandi to money laundering.

The hackers would transfer the money to a dummy bank account and then another dummy bank account, Gcash, or Paymaya account.

After this, money mules will withdraw the stolen money.

“It is only after a series of transfers would the stolen money be moved to the syndicate’s personal accounts,” the DOJ said.

The DOJ said both Anaekwe and Nwadi are working for the “Mark Nagoyo Group.”

Anaekwe was charged for violation Section 9(b) of R.A. No 8484 or access devices fraud through trafficking in or more unauthorized access devices or access devices fraudulently applied for.

Meanwhile, Nwadi will be released from detention as it was recommended that further investigation be conducted as to his direct participation.

The DOJ said a motion for issuance of hold departure order will be filed against Anaekwe and a motion for issuance of precautionary hold departure order against Nwadi.

The NBI arrested the four individuals. in separate operations. —NB, GMA News