Philippine authorities say they have rescued alleged victims of a “cryptocurrency trafficking ring” who were recruited to work at a call center in Cambodia and scam people out of their cryptocurrency. Authorities are also investigating government employees who may have helped cryptocurrency trafficking syndicates.
Alleged victims of ‘cryptocurrency trafficking ring’ rescued
The Travel Enforcement and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced Friday that it has rescued six alleged victims of a “cryptocurrency trafficking ring,” the government-owned news agency reported. Philippines.
Immigration Bureau Commissioner Norman Garcera Tansingco explained that BI officers intercepted the alleged victims as they were about to board a plane to Phnom Penh on January 15. Noting that these passengers had fake return tickets, the commissioner said they gave “inconsistent answers” to questions asked by BI officers, “raising suspicions that they were simply disguised as tourists but their purpose is to work abroad.” .
Ann Camille Mina, TCEU Acting Director, commented:
Eventually, they admitted that they will work at a call center in Cambodia and were recruited through Facebook.
Authorities Investigate Government Officials
Tansingco has vowed to take action against any BI employee involved with cryptocurrency trafficking syndicates. He noted that the immigration officer who authorized the departure of the passengers has been relieved of her duties pending the outcome of an investigation. The commissioner opined:
We also want to help locate and arrest those illegal recruiters who lure employees into participating in their illegal scheme… They are the root of this social problem and they should be arrested for this crime too.
The Immigration Bureau is currently investigating at least three persons of interest in the case, BI spokeswoman Dana Sandoval said. Regarding whether this crypto case is related to human trafficking syndicates in Cambodia and Myanmar, she admitted: “That is what we are concerned about. It seems to be related.
Crypto crime syndicates have been recruiting unsuspecting victims to work in call centers, particularly in Asian countries, and scam people on social media and dating apps. One of the most common tasks for victims of trafficking is “pig slaughter,” a type of crypto scam. According to a report by Propublica:
Tens of thousands of people across Asia have been forced to defraud millions of dollars from people in the United States and around the world. Those who resist face beatings, starvation, or worse.
US authorities have repeatedly warned that the crypto pig slaughter scam is becoming alarmingly popular. In November of last year, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) seized seven domain names used in hog slaughter schemes. “Be very careful when you go on social media and dating apps and someone starts to develop a relationship with you and wants you to start investing… Don’t get killed,” an FBI official warned.
What do you think about Philippine authorities bailing out alleged victims of a cryptocurrency trafficking ring? Let us know in the comments section.
image credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any product, service or company. bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.
