In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, CICC executive director Alexander Ramos said the government will not allow “foreign scammers” to victimize Filipinos and will fight the proliferation and distribution of these devices.
According to Ramos, the CICC began monitoring the supplier's company in October last year and tracked its activities before conducting the operation.
An IMSI catcher, also known as a “Stingray”, rogue cell tower, or cell site simulator, is an electronic device that intercepts mobile phone communications by mimicking legitimate cell towers. Once connected, it allows tracking of the user's location and interception of text messages, calls, and data traffic.
The CICC has discovered that IMSI catchers have been extensively used in text scams, prompting intensified efforts to curb their proliferation. Authorities are expected to file charges and investigate further leads to dismantle similar operations.
The arrest marks a significant step in the government's commitment to cracking down on cybercrimes that affect Filipino citizens.
