Authorities raided a building in Angeles, Pampanga and arrested 85 individuals who were allegedly running an operation targeting foreigners through dating sites.

A team from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Pampanga and the 301st Special Mission Group of the Philippine Air Force raided the building where 85 people were caught using computers to lure foreign victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.

According to the NBI, the group operated a scam hub, using dating sites to attract potential victims.

They allegedly focused on foreigners, especially retirees, convincing them to invest in bogus cryptocurrency schemes.

“Vinerify natin yung impormasyon na 'yan, pagkatapos natin i-ascertain na may illict na ginagawa itong opisina, nag-apply tayo ng warrant to search, seize and examine computer data,” NBI Region 3 Director Jun Carpeso said.

“Ang ginagawa nila pumupunta sa social media, itong mga dating sites,” Carpeso added.

During the raid, authorities encountered one of the models used in video calls to entice foreigners, earning P25,000 per session.

“Naghahanap sila ng potential investors na foreigners, American o European. Usually ‘yung retired ang gusto nila, yung walang ginagawa, yung may pension,” Carpeso said.

The cellphones and computers seized were examined under a digital warrant to identify the foreign victims.

The suspects arrested are facing charges for alleged violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act. They are detained at NBI Region 3.