By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed cases for violation of cybercrime laws against a Chinese national they arrested in Makati City in May for alleged acts of espionage.
In a Wednesday news release, CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said charges for violating provisions of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, were filed against Liu Yuhang before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Monday.
Liu was arrested along Finlandia Street corner Codornico Street in Barangay San Isidro, Makati City.
The arrest stemmed from a complainant’s call who said Liu coerced him into delivering unidentified communication hacking devices to the suspect’s residence.
This equipment would allegedly be placed in vital installations to hack or access mobile phones’ international mobile equipment identity.
CIDG members caught the suspect with a handgun tucked in his waist, prompting them to accost him and seek his identification and authority to possess such a firearm.
Liu, however, failed to present proper documents.
While searching the suspect’s vehicle, law enforcers discovered several firearms and ammunition, a multi-band directional antenna system, battery units, a solar inverter, a radio receiver/transmitter, a router, a tablet, mobile phones, and some cash.
A subsequent raid on the suspect’s residence yielded an inverter unit, aerial drone, computer keyboard, CPU units, portable power supply hubs, several IDs, and cash.
Torre said the operation was supported by affidavits from the complainant and witnesses for filing cases for illegal interception and misuse of devices.
“This operation reflects the CIDG’s dedication to addressing cybercrimes and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” he said.
The suspect is detained at the Bureau of Immigration’s custodial facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.
