17 arrested in Cavite for alleged digital currency scam

At least 17 individuals were arrested in Cavite for alleged involvement in a digital currency scam in which about a thousand individuals were persuaded to invest their money, according to John Consulta's report on "24 Oras."

“Masakit yan kasi ‘yung pera nilang pinangako sakin ay gagamitin ko sa aking pang-araw araw na pangangalingan,” said one of the victim, “Lando (not his real name).”

“Itong G-7 Digibank, ang pangako nila isa silang humanitarian organization and at the same, isang digital bank,” said Atty. Rehom Pimentel Agent on Case - NBI Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (AOTCD).

“Sabi nila yung paper bill natin ay made-demonitize na, magsasara yung mga bangko at sila lang daw ang authorized na maging digital bank so yung mga member nila ine-encourage na na i-withdraw yung mga pera sa banko at ibigay sa kanila,” he added.

The group's "gold card" will allegedly contain digital currency in exchange for the investments made by the victims, but the NBI said there was no money from the card.

“More or less 600 gold cards ang unclaimed, so can you just imagine kung ilan pa yung iba na na-claim at nakunan pa ng pera,” Pimentel said.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects denied the accusation and maintained that there is no scam involved.

“Hindi po kami pwedeng pumayag na kami po ay scammer, dahil wala po kaming iniiscam. Ang mga dinadala po ng tao doon pwede pong kitain doon at makikita ang mga produkto pati po presyo,” said Peter Cabrera Enduso.

The group will face charges for violating the Securities and Regulation Code and syndicated estafa with no bail. -- Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News