MANILA, Philippines– Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 17 Taiwanese nationals, including one woman, on May 15 in Cebu City for their alleged involvement in a romance scam operation.
NBI Special Task Force officer Ranier dela Cruz announced the arrests on May 16, stating that six of the suspects are members of the Four Seas Gang, a criminal group based in Taiwan. Authorities in Taiwan have issued arrest warrants for the six individuals on charges related to illegal drugs and money laundering.
NBI operatives conducted the raid in a high-end subdivision in Cebu City, where the suspects were allegedly running the scam. Investigators recovered several computers believed to have been used in targeting victims with scripted online communications.
The NBI launched the operation in coordination with the Taiwan Police after one of the suspects booked a flight from Manila to Cebu, prompting surveillance and subsequent action.
Authorities are examining the suspects’ possible links to transnational organized crime networks and are also looking into any local involvement that may have supported the operation.
Digital equipment and other evidence seized during the operation are undergoing forensic analysis to uncover further details about the group’s activities. The arrested individuals are currently in custody while legal proceedings are underway.
The NBI has alerted other government agencies to the potential presence of similar scam operations and urged local communities to report suspicious activities.
Taiwanese officials have expressed gratitude for the NBI’s assistance in locating and detaining the fugitives.
The NBI pledged continued action against fraud and other transnational crimes, and called on the public to remain vigilant and support efforts to combat criminal enterprises.
