Philippine police dismantled a suspected "romance scam" cybercrime hub in Kasambagan district, Cebu City, seizing over a dozen computers and electronic devices, though all suspects had fled before the raid.
The facility has now been sealed, and the police are applying for a cyber search warrant to thoroughly investigate the scam network and the flow of funds.
🔍Origin: A video on social media exposes the "romantic scam" operation
The case originated from a video that went viral on social media, posted by a well-known Filipino blogger. The video showed a group of people using fake identities to establish romantic relationships online with foreigners, only to defraud them. The video caused a strong reaction and attracted the attention of the police.
Using technical surveillance, the police quickly pinpointed the location—on the second floor of a commercial building in Kasambagan district, Cebu, and immediately launched a joint law enforcement operation.
🚔Raid details
Date: May 20, 2025, morning
Executing units: Central Visayas Police District (PRO-7) and Cebu City Police Department
Leading officers: Brigadier General Redrico Maranan of Central Visayas Police District, and Chief Enrico Figueroa of Cebu City Police Department
When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they found the office already deserted, leaving behind more than a dozen computers, mobile phones, and network equipment. Initial signs indicated that the suspects might have been tipped off and chose to evacuate collectively.
The office had several independent compartments, communication areas, and rest zones, indicating a highly organized and professional operation mode. The police investigation revealed that the premises were rented by a woman who then sublet it for operations. The current tenant has been contacted by the police, but she stated she would respond after consulting her lawyer.
💔Fraud tactics analysis: Classic "fake romance" scheme
The police initially determined that the scam group used a "romantic scam factory" model similar to those in Cambodia and Myanmar. The operation process included:
Using fictitious identities (such as handsome military officers, widows, foreign doctors, etc.) to contact targets on dating platforms
Gradually building emotional connections using fake videos, voice messages, and photos
Once the "relationship heats up," requesting transfers for urgent medical issues, visa freezes, etc.
Victims are mostly elderly people from Europe and America, and single Asian women
📲Follow-up measures and law enforcement challenges
The Philippine police have applied for a Cyber Warrant to unlock and analyze the data from the devices found at the scene
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) have been involved
BPLO has issued a Show Cause Order to the sub-lessor and the registered company, demanding an explanation of the office use and rental background
The facility has been sealed, pending further judicial processing
The police urge the involved employees to surrender voluntarily; those who cooperate with the investigation may appear in court as witnesses and may receive leniency based on their level of cooperation.
🧩The bigger warning behind the case
This case is not an isolated incident. Just days before, the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also dismantled a romance scam platform operated by Taiwanese nationals in the upscale Maria Luisa area of Cebu, arresting 17 people. According to investigations by the Taiwanese authorities, this group might be linked to transnational criminal organizations like the "Four Seas Gang," with weekly involved amounts reaching ₱1.7 billion pesos. The scam network has expanded to the US, Japan, Australia, and other countries.
Analysts point out that Cebu is gradually becoming a new hub for telecommunications and romantic scams, using flexible office leasing and social media to form a covert and complex criminal network. The police warn that without international law enforcement cooperation and strong electronic evidence support, these crimes will face challenges of "untraceable suspects, incomplete evidence, and difficult case establishment."
