By Itchie G. Cabayan

Copyright journal

Two Israeli nationals said to be involved in scam operations in the country were arrested by operatives from the Bureau of Immigration-fugitive search unit (BI-FSU).

BI FSU chief Rendel Ryan Sy identified the suspects as Beniashvili Tzahy, 30 and Liel Arzi, 25. Both Beniashvili and Liel will remain in the BI’s custody while undergoing deportation proceedings.

They were arrested last September 5 in a commercial building along Henson St. in Brgy. Lourdes Northwest in Angeles City, Pampanga and were caught in the act of operating a workstation comprised of numerous computer units actively linked to several trading applications.

Sy said verification with BI records show that Beniashvili has an active working visa but was petitioned by a different company, while Liel merely holds a tourist visa.

The arrest, he added, stems from intelligence information received by the BI about certain Israeli nationals involved in business process outsourcing (BPO) scam operations in parts of the Philippines.

The suspected trading scam allegedly deceives individuals by offering fake investment mentorship programs and trading opportunities, ultimately gaining unauthorized access to victims’ bank accounts.

Earlier on, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) raided a similar establishment before, but syndicate members transferred to more discreet locations including residential units and small offices to evade detection. This syndicate reportedly masquerades as an account management office luring potential investors and victims from countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK, and others worldwide.

Sy assured that the BI is expected to conduct more operations against said scam hubs operated by foreign nationals in the country.