On July 26, 2025, at 12:16 AM in Meycauayan, Bulacan, operatives of the Cyber Financial Crime Unit (CFCU) of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) conducted an entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of a 40-year-old man, alias “Jom,” for online scam.

The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a store manager against the suspect. Allegedly, she received a phone inquiry from the suspect regarding the price of a treadmill listed for sale. The suspect posed as an engineer assigned to a project at a coal-fired power plant in Mariveles, Bataan. To appear credible, he sent several documents to support his false identity and supposed business dealings.

Convinced of the legitimacy of the transaction, the complainant delivered four units of treadmills with voltage regulators amounting to Php1,107,008.00. The suspect issued a check as payment, which was later rejected by the bank and confirmed as fraudulent. Days later, the complainant discovered that the said items were being resold online. This prompted the victim to report to the CFCU.

“Jom” is facing charges for violation of Article 315 (Swindling/Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

This operation supports the pillars of Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, Chief of the Philippine National Police, to ensure that anti-cybercrime laws are fully implemented and violators are promptly penalized.

Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP ACG, commended the operatives for their continued dedication to tracking down and apprehending cybercriminals. He also highlighted, “This is a testament that those who exploit digital platforms to defraud others will be identified, caught, and prosecuted. The PNP ACG will not relent in our efforts to protect businesses and the public from cybercriminals.”