NBI nabs seller of fake BIR, PhilHealth IDs in Cebu

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said it nabbed a producer and seller of fake government IDs in Cebu.

In a statement, NBI operatives apprehended a fake ID reseller alias "Yuri Chan," who had a counterfeit BIR TIN card that she claimed was ordered and paid online.

In coordination with Aricuatro, the NBI and BIR were able to reach out to the source of the fake document via online.  Authorities arranged for the collection of an undelivered card, which was handed over to a decoy rider by a young boy in Lagtang, Talisay City.

Following the boy, operatives were able to locate his mother who was caught in possession of approximately 240 fake BIR TIN cards and 250 blank PhilHealth cards, along with a laptop and printer.

The fake cards and machines were seized by the NBI Central Visayas Regional Office (CEVRO). The NBI said appropriate charges will be filed against the female suspect.

“The NBI CEVRO operation is in line with an intensified crackdown ordered by NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago against the apparent proliferation of fake government IDs and documents being used by scrupulous individuals and nefarious crime organizations that have serious repercussions on public trust in government as well as a serious national security concern,” the statement read. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News