The Philippine National Police found devices in the Ermita POGO hub that were allegedly used in cryptocurrency and scam activities.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has uncovered evidence linking a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Manila to illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies and scams. This revelation comes after a digital forensic examination was conducted on devices seized during a high-profile raid on October 29, 2024 at the Vertex Technologies office in Century Peak Tower, Ermita.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, confirmed that investigators had already found significant evidence related to scam operations and cryptocurrency transactions, which were the focus of the cyber-warrant that authorized the raid. "Mayroon na silang nakita na mga ebidensya ng alleged and reported scamming activities and even yung mga cryptocurrencies, which is really the subject ng kanilang cyber-warrant (They have already found evidence of alleged and reported scamming activities, as well as cryptocurrencies, which are the main subject of the cyber-warrant)," Fajardo was quoted as saying by the Inquirer during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
Fajardo elaborated on the specifics of the investigation, mentioning that the forensic examination was ongoing, but early findings have already pointed to violations of the Securities Regulation Code, which governs financial transactions and investments. The presence of cryptocurrencies, commonly used in illicit transactions due to their anonymity, adds weight to the suspicion of illegal financial activity.
The October raid was led by the PNP's Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) in collaboration with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), executed under a cyber-warrant targeting Vertex Technologies, a company allegedly involved in love and cryptocurrency scams. These scams are often designed to lure individuals into fraudulent financial schemes by exploiting emotions or promising high returns on investments in digital currencies.
Vertex Technologies is believed to have been operating out of the 23rd floor of Century Peak Tower, a commercial building in Ermita. The company allegedly used sophisticated technology to run their operations, targeting foreign nationals and convincing them to invest in fake or non-existent cryptocurrency projects. As part of their investigation, the police have also been examining the devices and IT-related equipment seized during the raid, looking for further evidence of criminal activity.
While the investigation is still in its early stages, Fajardo assured the public that once the forensic examination is complete, formal charges will be filed against the company’s operators and directors. These charges could include violations of the Securities Regulation Code, as well as other potential crimes related to fraud and cybercrime.
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