Ex-POGO security guard arrested for selling text blast machine

A former security guard of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) was arrested in Pasay City on Thursday for selling a text blast machine, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said on Friday.

In a statement, the ACG said the suspect, identified as alias Dante, 40 years old, was captured in an entrapment operation.

Authorities conducted cyber patrolling against the sale of illegal devices on social media platforms and discovered a post offering a text blaster machine and a signal jammer for P475,000.

“The cyber patroller engaged with ‘Dante,’ and after further negotiations, both parties agreed to meet in person to complete the transaction,” the ACG said.

An SMS blaster machine or International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher, antenna, and signal jammer were seized from the suspect, according to the ACG.

"The device allows criminals to intercept calls and messages, track user locations, and launch phishing scams. This arrest is a strong warning against those who use such technology for malicious purposes,” ACG chief Police Brigadier General Bernard Yang said. 

The suspect is now facing complaints for misuse of device under the Cybercrime Prevention Act as well as for violations of the Philippine Radio Control Law. — VBL, GMA Integrated News