Rapper, vlogger nabbed in chase across farm for voice phishing

A rapper and his girlfriend vlogger were among the 19 individuals arrested during a raid in a voice phishing lair in Imus, Cavite. 

In Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” Thursday, authorities conducted a three-month surveillance on a house in Imus town before they conducted the operation.

Several suspects attempted to escape resulting in a chase at the nearby farm.

According to the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group investigation, it’s been three months since the rapper was recruited into the scheme. 

The report said the rapper thought it was a legal business at first. 

“Parang gusto na nila umalis kaso nasagawa na natin ang operasyon,” said PNP-ACG spokesperson Wallen Mae Arancillo.

(They were planning to get out of the group, but it’s too late as we have already conducted our operation.) 

The PNP-ACG said that the couple could be having difficulty leaving the team because of the money.

"P5 million per week ang kinikita nila and I believe by percentage sila kung ilan ang tao na ma-scam nila (They earn P5 million a week and I believe are paid by percentage depending on the number of individuals they are able to scam).

Seized during the operation were credit card applications used by the suspect for the scam. There were also scripts found.

“Meron tayong nakausap na victim na imbes na panggamot sa anak nya sana ay na-scam, kaya namatay ito,” said Arancillo. 

(One of the victims told us that his child died after he lost the money supposed to be used for the treatment through the scam.) 

Several charges were filed against the suspects including violation of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.   They are now detained at the headquarters of the PNP-ACG.—Vince Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News