MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a Chinese national in Makati City for allegedly selling counterfeit Philippine peso bills online, as part of its intensified campaign against scamming and other cybercrime activities.

In a statement, the NBI-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) identified the suspect as Deng Lin, who was apprehended for violation of Article 168 of the Revised Penal Code (Illegal Possession and Use of False Treasury or Bank Notes and Other Instruments of Credit) and Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The NBI-CCD said it received information that a certain Chinese individual named “Wang Ye” was selling counterfeit Philippine peso bills online. The suspect was allegedly offering 100 fake pieces of both old and new ₱1,000 bills for ₱20,000 and ₱33,000, respectively.

With the help of an informant, NBI agents established contact with the suspect and arranged a meeting at a mall in Makati City to complete the transaction.

On October 21, 2025, NBI-CCD operatives, together with representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), conducted an entrapment operation at the agreed location. After the suspect received the marked money, agents immediately arrested him in the presence of BSP representatives.

The suspect was later identified as Deng Lin and was brought to the NBI-CCD office for booking and inquest proceedings.