The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), disrupted an alleged international cyber-fraud operation at a suspected parcel scam hub in Pasay City on November 3, 2026, resulting in the accounting and profiling of 166 foreign nationals. The operation targeted an alleged transnational criminal network.
CIDG operatives, in close coordination with the PNP Intelligence Group and the Southern Police District, and with assistance from the Embassy of Indonesia, conducted the operation at a building along Cuneta Avenue, Pasay City.
The 166 foreign nationals accounted for consisted of 138 Indonesians, 16 Vietnamese, 10 Chinese, and two Malaysians. As of this writing, they remain under police custody and are undergoing investigation and profiling to determine their respective roles, possible involvement in the alleged criminal activities, and the circumstances surrounding their presence at the facility.
The operation stemmed from complaints of alleged deceptive recruitment and employment arrangements, under which foreign nationals were brought to the Philippines with promises of legitimate employment but were reportedly made to participate in organized online fraud activities.
Initial investigation indicated that the facility was being used to operate a parcel-related scam targeting individuals overseas, including Vietnamese, Malaysians, and Indonesians. The scheme allegedly involved impostors posing as courier personnel and foreign law enforcement officers to intimidate victims with fabricated claims about suspicious packages and supposed criminal investigations. Victims were then persuaded to transfer money under the pretext of protecting their funds.
Authorities are also investigating allegations that some of the foreign nationals were deprived of their freedom of movement and had their travel documents withheld. Investigators are pursuing further leads to establish the full extent of the operation, identify its organizers and facilitators, and determine the appropriate criminal charges against those found responsible.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, joined Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr. in inspecting the suspected international parcel scam hub along Cuneta Avenue, accompanied by CIDG personnel and other key PNP officials.
During the inspection, the PNP Chief underscored the importance of protecting the public from organized fraud and ensuring that the Philippines is not used as a staging ground for criminal activities that victimize individuals across borders.
“Hindi dapat maging lugar ang Pilipinas kung saan pinatatakbo ang mga ganitong panlilinlang. We will work closely with our foreign counterparts, strengthen our investigations, and determine the accountability of everyone involved. Those who are found to have committed violations of our laws will face the appropriate charges,” he said.
The operation reflects the PNP’s strengthened approach under its Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes intelligence-driven action, effective inter-unit coordination, and sustained law enforcement efforts against emerging criminal threats. It also supports the government’s continuing efforts to combat transnational cyber-fraud, protect individuals from deceptive schemes, prevent the country from being used as a base for criminal activities, and reinforce cooperation with international law enforcement partners in addressing transnational crime.
The PNP continues to coordinate with concerned government agencies and foreign authorities to facilitate the investigation, determine the appropriate disposition of the foreign nationals, and ensure that those who may have been victimized receive the necessary assistance.
