14 DAY TRIAL // A total of 58 individuals suspected of being involved with organized crime networks that specialize in what’s known as “sextortion” have been arrested in the Philippines. Law enforcement authorities from all over the word, coordinated by Interpol, have taken part in the operation codenamed Operation Strikeback.
According to Interpol, the cooperation between police in Singapore, the Philippines and Hong Kong has led to the identification of close to 200 people believed to be working for crime rings outside the Philippines.
Police Scotland, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Philippines Department of Justice, the UK’s National Crime Agency have helped identify victims. Victims of the crimes have been traced to Singapore, the US, the UK, and the Philippines. Some of those targeted by the criminals might be located in Korea, Hong Kong, Australia and Malaysia.
250 phones, laptops, storage devices and other items that could store electronic evidence have been seized. Police has also confiscated live ammunition.
The crooks operated from offices that resemble the ones of call centers. “Employees” were trained to use private information or images to extort money or sexual favors from victims. These individuals, whom Interpol calls “cyber-blackmail agents,” demanded up to $15,000 (€10.800) from their targets.
The agents were offered holidays, cash or mobile phones if they reached their financial targets.
Three of the arrested individuals – Vincent Regori Bravo, Jomar Palacio and Archie Tolin – are believed to be linked to the group that harassed Daniel Perry, the 17-year-old from Scotland who committed suicide in July 2013 after being blackmailed.
“A young Scottish teenager lost his life as a result of this online activity. The impact on his family, friends and wider community cannot be imagined,” stated Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham.
“Our message is clear: Our focus is on keeping people safe and there is no hiding place – anywhere in the world – if you are a criminal and you undertake this type of activity, which preys on those who might be the most vulnerable and susceptible to coercion and blackmail.”
“These arrests show our continued determination to bring these criminals to justice and our willingness to work with law enforcement around the world in order to do this,” said Alan la Madrid Purisima, the chief of the Philippine National Police.
“This successful operation stemmed from an INTERPOL meeting and we look forward to our continued collaboration to show that there can be no hiding place.”