The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) has arrested a Malaysian national accused of supplying International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers used in text scams. News reports identified the suspect as Thiang Choon Wee.
The arrest followed a joint entrapment operation conducted by the PNP, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Jan. 21, 2025, along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Parañaque City.
“This successful operation reflects our commitment to protecting the public from technological misuse and ensuring that those who violate the law are brought to justice,” said Brigadier General Bernard Yang, acting director of the PNP ACG. “Let this serve as a reminder that the PNP ACG remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the cyber environment and uphold public trust.”
An IMSI catcher is a device capable of mass SMS broadcasting without requiring a database, SIM card, or WiFi. These devices are often exploited in fraudulent schemes, such as text scams targeting unsuspecting victims.
Thiang Choon Wee, initially identified as a certain “Ang,” is facing multiple charges. These include violations of the Philippine Radio Stations and Radio Communications Regulation Act, the SIM Registration Act, the Data Privacy Act, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and the Misuse of Devices under Republic Act No. 10175.