Suspected individuals indicted following search at fraud hotspot
Update on BMJ Data Processing Services Scam Case in Cebu City
In a significant development, 24 individuals have been formally charged in connection with a scam hub uncovered at BMJ Data Processing Services in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City. The charges follow a police raid on May 27, 2025, which was prompted by an American hacker infiltrating the company's computer systems and CCTV cameras, exposing fraudulent activities.
The accused are alleged to have operated a Bitcoin trading system called "Quantum AI," using high-pressure sales tactics typical of "boiler room" scams. They targeted foreign senior citizens and other victims with fraudulent investment schemes.
The charges brought against the suspects include violations of Section 11 of Republic Act (RA) 11765 (Investment Fraud) and Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act). The charges carry penalties of imprisonment of up to 21 years and fines reaching P5 million.
The investigation into this case involved collaboration between the Philippine National Police, Cebu City Police Office, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Legal Attaché in the United States also engaged with Philippine authorities to aid the probe.
The initial case was filed against the alleged scam hub operator, identified by the alias "Tonying." Subsequent charges were filed against a total of 13 individuals, including a woman who sang the song "Smack That." The suspects have been identified by the following aliases: Frank, Judelyn, Benson, Bryll Anthony, Lilidel, Esperanza, Benedict, Joseph James, Rex Chilton, Shaira, and Rowel.
This case underscores increased vigilance by police authorities in Central Visayas against cyber-enabled financial crimes exploiting vulnerable populations through elaborate online fraud schemes. Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, head of the Police Regional Office 7, emphasized the progress made with every case filed towards identifying all individuals involved in the scam.
The discovery and subsequent police raid followed viral exposure by a foreign YouTube blogger who ethically hacked into BMJ's systems. During the raid, authorities confiscated 43 computer units, laptops, and other electronic devices from the premises.
The public is urged to report any additional suspects seen in videos released by the American hacker. The investigation remains ongoing.
[1] Investigation Involved Collaboration between Various Agencies [4] Charges Filed Gradually from July 1 through August 1, Total 24 Suspects
- The investigation into the BMJ Data Processing Services Scam Case in Cebu City involved collaboration between the Philippine National Police, Cebu City Police Office, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other agencies, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Legal Attaché in the United States.
- The accused in the BMJ Data Processing Services Scam Case are alleged to have violated Section 11 of Republic Act (RA) 11765 (Investment Fraud) and Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act), which carry penalties of imprisonment of up to 21 years and fines reaching P5 million.
- The charges filed in the BMJ Data Processing Services Scam Case were brought gradually from July 1 through August 1, resulting in the formal charges against a total of 24 individuals, including a woman who sung the song "Smack That."
- The public is urged to report any additional suspects seen in videos released by the American hacker in relation to the BMJ Data Processing Services Scam Case, as the investigation remains ongoing.
