2 illegal sellers of hacked Globe WIMAX modems fall

MANILA, Philippines - A recent joint entrapment operation conducted by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation and security personnel of Globe Telecom led to the arrest of two illegal sellers of WIMAX modems in Nueva Ecija.

Arrested were Ramon Christopher Rosales, 28, and Andrew de la Cruz, 27, both residing in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. They were caught illegally trading hacked WIMAX modems. Two units of WIMAX modems were seized from them.

Based on police reports, Rosales is an employee of RCG Enterprise, a sub contractor agent of Globe, and the hacked modems that they were selling were being sourced from legitimate subscribers.

The modus operandi has been to pull out modems from these unsuspecting subscribers on pretext of an upgrade, reconfigure the modems, and sell them for a one-time payment ranging from P2,500 to P3,500.

“It is unfortunate that a Globe subcontractor takes advantage of his work to pull out WIMAX modems from legitimate subscribers and the company will continue to intensify its campaign against the illegal use and sale of reconfigured devices,” said lawyer Froilan Castelo, head of Globe’s Corporate and Legal Services Group.

Castelo said illegal hacking and use of WIMAX modems violate Republic Act 8484 or the Access Device Act, and Presidential Decree 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law. 

Castelo said those who would want to avail themselves of legitimate subscription of Globe products and services may do so through Globe-authorized sellers and distributors as well as in Globe Stores nationwide.