On Friday 2023, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) rescued six immigrant victims at the Clark International Airport who were recently trapped in a “crypto trafficking ring.” Currently, the Bureau of Immigration is investigating suspected officers in the case.
Norman Garcera Tansingco, Bureau of Immigration Commissioner, said if BI officers are involved in helping the passengers at the immigration counter, they will take severe action against criminals.
“Apart from internal links, we went to also help locate and arrest those illegal recruiters that entice employees to take part in their illegal scheme, as well as exploit the vulnerability of our kababayan (countrymen) whom they recruit. They are the root of this societal problem and they must also be arrested for this crime,” Tansingco said.
According to a regional news report, the passengers were about to board, but victims were called for questioning by the BI’s travel control and enforcement unit (TCEU). During the interview, they answered differently, which raised doubts among the investigation officers.
TCEU acting head Ann Camille said, “Eventually, they admitted that they will be working in a call center in Cambodia and were recruited through Facebook.” In Asian countries, crypto crime unions were taking advantage of unsuspecting victims. They have been recruiting to work in call centers to scam people on social media.
According to a report by ProPublica, “Tens of thousands of people from across Asia have been coerced into defrauding in America and around the world out of millions of dollars. Those who resist face beatings, food deprivation, or worse.”
Recent Crypto Scams
Over 46,000 crypto users lost nearly $1 billion as per the Federal Trade Commission report.For the past few years, many cyber cases have remained unsolved.
James Zhong, who stole billions of dollars worth of bitcoin from the Silk Road marketplace, remained a mystery case for police forces and law enforcement in the nation. On November 4, 2022, Zhong pleaded guilty before United States District Judge, Paul G.Gardephe, for committing wire fraud in September 2012.law enforcement agencies seized 50,676 bitcoins worth $3.36 billion (USD) from Zhong on November 9.
Nancy J. Allen is a crypto enthusiast and believes that cryptocurrencies inspire people to be their own banks and step aside from traditional monetary exchange systems. She is also intrigued by blockchain technology and its functioning.
Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2023/01/26/philippine-authorities-rescued-six-alleged-victims-at-clark/