The Optical Media Board (OMB) raided an alleged cybersex den in Brgy. Culiat, Quezon City on Tuesday evening (Aug. 31) following reports of online piracy by a company pretending to be a call center facility.
Sixteen individuals were nabbed by authorities, including a manager and 15 employees. Inspection of computers in the said den revealed sensitive images allegedly used for cybersex.
The OMB said the images are sold to online clients, the majority of whom are foreigners, at $20 to $50. Extra service was also offered such as massage to collect credit card information of clients.
Clients who have been victimized by online scamming reportedly do not file complaints.
“May mga guide sila kung ano ang sasabihin. Basically, mayroon nang nakalista roon na paano kung nag-reklamo, may listahan na ng mga pwedeng sabihin,” OMB legal division chief Atty. Cyrus Paul Valenzuela said.
Authorities also discovered that the establishment does not have a business permit to operate online services and the software used is counterfeit.
“Ang problema pa is ‘yung pangalan sa DTI permit does not match doon sa nabalitaan naming pangalan ng kumpanya nila,” Valenzuela said.
Some of those apprehended said they were undergoing training and have yet to be included in the facility’s transactions. Their legal counsel said their operations are legal.
“As far as the OMB is concerned, we are confident that they have not committed any violation of the OMB rules or OMB jurisdiction or authority,” Atty. Danilo Pelagio said.
The OMB said it will coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group for the investigation. – Report from Bernard Jaudian Jr./AG- bny
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