The two Taiwanese, Liu Cheng-Chihi (31) and Tsai Chit Ting (41), were arrested in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu after they were caught running an online fraud syndicate with 29 Filipinos. According to the NBI Central Visayas, the group was involved in love scams and fake e-commerce sites, where many victims were charged but did not receive any products.
The group used fake shopping websites that looked like legit sites like Shopee. Since Cash on Delivery (COD) was not an option, victims were forced to pay in full right up front. The syndicate also used dating apps and social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram for “romantic scams.”
According to Atty. Renan Oliva, director of NBI Central Visayas, the group has been operating for almost a year and they shifted their operations to residential areas after the ban on POGOs. The suspects were caught red-handed in the basement of a house, and cellphones, laptops, and other electronic devices used in the fraud were confiscated.
The suspects were charged with violating Section 4(b)(2) of the Anti-Cybercrime Act (RA 10175) — “Fraudulent Acts Involving Computers.” If convicted, they could face imprisonment of 6 to 12 years and a fine of not less than ₱200,000.
The two Taiwanese are considered the masterminds and on-site supervisors, while the 29 Filipinos serve as operators of the fraud activities. The foreigners are currently detained and are being investigated for any previous cases in the Philippines.
