Chinese national nabbed for unlawful sale of SIM cards —NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday announced the arrest of a Chinese national for allegedly selling SIM cards to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and syndicates involved in scamming activities.

According to the bureau, the individual was arrested on Tuesday in Tondo, Manila following reports that he was utilizing Telegram to sell pre-registered SIM cards.

“Investigation revealed that the SIM cards were being sold to clandestine POGOs, individuals, and syndicates engaged in various online scamming activities,” the NBI said in a statement.

The NBI said an agent tested a SIM card provided by the suspect during the entrapment operation and found that the number was already registered.

Agents then arrested the individual after he received the marked money.

The NBI said its operatives seized 49 pieces of Smart SIM cards and one phone.

Meanwhile, the subject has been presented for inquest proceedings before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of the SIM Card Registration Act, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“The NBI remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantling networks that facilitate cybercrime,” the bureau said.

“By enforcing the SIM Card Registration Act, the Bureau aims to strip online scammers and illegal offshore operators of the anonymity they require to exploit the public,” it added. —VAL, GMA News