15 Arrested in Online Financial Account Scam: 36 Accounts Seized in Nationwide PNP Cyber Ops

The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., successfully conducted 15 coordinated anti-cybercrime operations nationwide from April 1 to 15, 2026, resulting in the arrest of 15 individuals engaged in the illegal online sale of financial accounts, including ATM and e-wallet accounts, and the confiscation of 36 various financial accounts used in fraudulent transactions.

The operations were carried out simultaneously by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Units, Provincial and City Cyber Response Teams, and District Anti-Cybercrime Teams across the country. The arrested individuals are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 12010 or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The successful nationwide operations reflect the implementation of the PNP Focused Agenda, a transformation framework designed to enhance police service delivery. Central to this effort is the priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which supports strengthened response against cyber-enabled financial crimes and the protection of the public from online fraudulent schemes.

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. underscored the continued drive of the police force against cybercriminal activities.

“Cybercrime continues to evolve and remains a serious threat to public trust in digital financial systems. We remain committed to pursuing individuals and groups who exploit these platforms for illegal gain,” PGen Nartatez said.

“Hindi natin hahayaan na manatiling biktima ang ating mga kababayan ng mga online scam. Patuloy ang ating operasyon para tiyakin ang kanilang proteksyon,” he added.

As the PNP intensifies its campaign against cyber-enabled financial crimes under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)