The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested two Chinese and three Filipinos for allegedly spying on Malacañang, the military, and the police.
According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, the suspects were identified as Ni Qinhui and Zheng Wei (Chinese) and Omar Khan Joveres, Leo Panti, and Mark Angelo Binza (Pinoy).
They were charged with the Department of Justice for espionage (Commonwealth Act 616) and violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175).
How Did They Get Caught?
- Using information from the AFP Intelligence Service, it was discovered that there are vehicles with IMSI catchers collecting signal intelligence in Metro Manila.
- The Filipino suspects took the vehicle to sensitive areas such as Malacañang, Camp Aguinaldo, Camp Crame, Villamor Airbase, and the US Embassy.
- It is said that the Chinese pay the Filipinos P3,000 per day for their services.
- The Chinese were caught in a condominium in Malate, Manila, where IMSI catchers and other communication devices were seized.
Fake NBI Officer Caught in Extortion
Meanwhile, a man posing as an NBI officer was arrested in Tondo, Manila after allegedly extorting P10 million from a Chinese businessman.
- The 50-year-old suspect, identified as alias Crisanto from Bulacan, was caught inside a Ford Raptor pickup truck.
- He bought the car with the money he got from defrauding a 38-year-old victim.
