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The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group confiscated around 4,000 pre-registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards from two Chinese nationals in Pasay City on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (Photo from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Two Chinese nationals were arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for selling pre-registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards in Pasay City, the police unit announced on Saturday.
According to the CIDG, the buy-bust operation stemmed from intelligence reports of a group selling pre-registered SIM cards to be used in scams, identity theft and other illegal activities.
CIDG personnel under the Detective Special Operations Unit (DSOU) made the arrest at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9.
Authorities confiscated around 4,000 SIM cards.
The suspects 鈥� identified only as 鈥淵ingchun鈥� and 鈥淐hunmei鈥� 鈥� were taken to the CIDG-DSOU office in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
They will face a formal complaint for violating the provision of the SIM Registration Act prohibiting the sale of a registered SIM without complying with requirements.
鈥淭his operation reflects our unwavering commitment to enforcing the law against the misuse of technology. We will remain vigilant in combating crimes that endanger public safety,鈥� CIDG Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said in a statement.