The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is set to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) by providing cutting-edge mobile BTS-Trackers to detect and apprehend cybercriminals using International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher devices.
CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos emphasized on a Sunday that the portable, mobile phone-sized BTS-Tracker will significantly improve PNP-ACG’s ability to combat spoofing scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate service providers, financial institutions, and government agencies.
“These state-of-the-art BTS-Trackers will empower the PNP-ACG to track IMSI catcher operators in real-time, allowing law enforcers to take swift action against scammers,” Ramos stated.
PNP-ACG Chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang welcomed the addition of these advanced tools, saying they will enhance the unit’s efficiency in apprehending cybercriminals.
“The PNP-ACG, in collaboration with the CICC, continues to improve its anti-cybercrime capabilities to keep pace with global law enforcement standards,” Yang said.
The initiative underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and protecting the public from digital fraud.
The PNP-ACG recently caught an IMSI Catcher seller who is a former POGO Security Guard, demonstrating its growing capability to combat cyber fraud.
In a joint operation in January, the CICC , PNP-ACG, the Bureau of Immigration and the National Telecommunications Commission apprehended a Malaysian national for illegally selling IMSI catcher devices in the Philippines.
An IMSI catcher is an electronic device that tracks and intercepts mobile phone communications. It is also referred to as “Stingray”, rogue cell tower , fake cell tower, cell site simulator or drop boxes.
ISSUED BY CICC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDER K. RAMOS
