Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Obando, Bulacan, after allegedly offering registered SIM cards online for just Php 10 each, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group said.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Junel,” was caught in an entrapment operation at around 9 p.m. on Aug. 24 following cyber patrols that monitored the alleged sale of registered SIM cards and fully verified e-wallet accounts on social media.
Investigators said the suspect was engaged in selling registered SIM cards in bulk. Police seized 400 SIM cards during the operation for further examination.
According to the ACG, the suspect admitted registering some of the cards himself using other people’s identities because registered SIMs were easier to sell. He allegedly told investigators that other cards had already been registered when he acquired them from an unidentified seller.
The seized SIM cards will undergo further investigation, including a planned application for a Warrant to Disclose Computer Data, as authorities determine their registration details and possible links to other activities.
The operation was conducted by the Bulacan Provincial Cyber Response Team after authorities spotted a Facebook post allegedly advertising registered SIM cards for sale.
Police said the suspect underwent inquest proceedings and remained in ACG custody pending resolution of the case.
He is facing a complaint for alleged violation of the prohibition on the subsequent sale of registered SIM cards under Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Registration Act, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
