MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a Chinese national in Tondo, Manila for allegedly selling pre-registered SIM cards to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and online scamming syndicates.

According to the NBI, the suspect used Telegram to sell SIM cards to clandestine operators and individuals engaged in various cyber scams. During an entrapment operation, an NBI agent tested one of the SIM cards and found it was already registered. The suspect was arrested after receiving marked money.

Authorities seized 49 Smart SIM cards and one mobile phone from the suspect. He has been presented for inquest proceedings before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for violations of the SIM Card Registration Act in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“The NBI remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantling networks that facilitate cybercrime,” the bureau said, adding that enforcing the SIM Card Registration Act helps remove the anonymity scammers rely on to exploit the public.