A major cyber enforcement operation led by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), in close coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Department of Justice–Office of Cybercrime, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Pasig City Local Government, resulted in the dismantling of a suspected large-scale online investment scam hub operating in Pasig City.
The operation was conducted on May 20, 2026, through the implementation of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data, which led to the arrest of 63 individuals, including a 55-year-old foreign national identified by the alias “Boss,” who is believed to have played a key leadership role in the scheme.
Authorities uncovered an organized online operation that posed as a legitimate call center and investment assistance company. Victims were reportedly lured in through online advertisements and messaging platforms and later encouraged to invest in a trading scheme called “XTRADE.” Individuals posing as financial advisers maintained constant communication with victims to encourage continued deposits and manage account activity.
Further investigation revealed that the operation was highly structured, with assigned roles for online promotion, client engagement, and retention efforts, all designed to simulate legitimate investment activity. Verification with regulators confirmed that the entities involved were not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and had no authority to solicit investments from the public.
The case was triggered by multiple complaints from individuals who reported significant financial losses after being engaged through persistent online messaging and deceptive investment presentations.
Authorities also confirmed that the foreign national tagged as “Boss” has an existing warrant of arrest issued by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court for multiple tax-related charges. The warrant was served during custodial procedures on May 25, 2026, while cyber-related cases have been filed against the other arrested individuals.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. underscored the importance of sustained and coordinated action against evolving cyber fraud schemes.
“These groups are becoming more sophisticated in how they operate online, but our law enforcement response is also becoming faster, sharper, and more united. Hindi tayo papayag na patuloy na maloko at mabiktima ang ating mga kababayan. The PNP, together with our partner agencies, will continue to act with urgency and resolve,” he said.
Guided by the principle “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” the PNP remains firm in its commitment to disrupt online fraud networks and safeguard the public from deceptive digital schemes.
