“Cebu hacking gang leader” falls

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged leader of a gang of hackers was arrested in an entrapment operation in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City on Monday.

Jerwin Minglanilla, 26, a resident of Barangay Inayawan, was apprehended by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-7) for reportedly hacking credit cards.

CIDG-7 deputy chief, Superintendent Fermin Armendarez III, said the entrapment operation stemmed from the complaint of a representative from Globe Telecom who was suspicious of Minglanilla’s transactions with their office.

Minglanilla allegedly bought several high-end phones from the telecommunications company using several credit card accounts.

Prior to arresting the suspect, the police pretended to negotiate with Minglanilla by telling him to buy the gadgets using the hacked credit cards and they would just pay him once they have acquired the gadgets.

Minglanilla agreed to meet the police operatives to supposedly receive the payment. He was arrested after the transaction was consummated.

Upon the arrest, the police recovered a medium-size pack of suspected shabu from Minglanilla’s motorcycle.

Armendarez described Minglanilla as the leader of the “Cebu Hackers Gang.” He said the suspect, who was a scholar of a Cebu City university in his college years, can also hack debit cards.

The suspect has been arrested twice for the same offense but he was able to post bail.

Minglanilla admitted he is a hacker, but denied the allegation that he is involved in illegal drugs.

Armendarez said they expect more victims of Minglanilla to appear and file complaints against the suspect.

Minglanilla is currently detained at CIDG-7 detention cell and will face charges for violation of the Republic Act 8484. — (FREEMAN)