Alleged hacker targeting foreigners nabbed

A hacker who has been scamming foreigners online was recently nabbed by the NCRPO Regional Special Operations Group in Las Piñas.

According to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta on Friday, suspect Edgardo Silvano Jr. was arrested following intelligence reports that bared he was conducting illegal online activities on unsuspecting foreigners.

“Meron tayong impormante na nagdetalye sa cybercrime activities ng ating subject. Dati na itong nahuli at tinaguriang “Hacker of Asia” dahil sa galing niya sa panghahack,” said NCRPO Regional Intelligence Division chief Police Colonel Jess Mendez.

The NCRPO was also able to seize a 9mm gun, several phones, tablets, laptops, routers, and desktops inside Silvano’s home.

The NCRPO will also be conducting a digital forensic investigation and financial investigation into the rest of the suspect’s properties, which include eight big bikes, a sports car, a pick-up, and other properties in Laiya, Siargao, Cavite and Makati amounting to more than P100 million.

Silvano reiterated that he has not done any illegal activity.

“Wala akong ginagawang mali, maipapaliwanag yung mga properties ko,” he said.

The suspect had already been arrested in 2016 for possession of counterfeit credit cards, laptops, and card printers, which is still being processed in court.

All devices seized during the arrest will also undergo digital forensic examination and will be presented as evidence at the court. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News