2 alleged credit card fraud gang members nabbed

MANILA, Philippines - Two Canadian men were arrested Sunday night for allegedly being members of an international credit card fraud syndicate after they were seen throwing away 23 blank ATM cards in Binondo, Manila Sunday night.

Nithiyanan Tharasan Can, 27, and his brother Siga, 24, who are of Sri Lankan descent, were caught as they tried to escape from police officers led by Chief Inspector Rizalindo Morales and Barangay 297 Zone 29 chairman Jefferson Tee.

The two men initially gave false names but admitted their real identity when their Canadian passports were confiscated.

Investigators said the arrest of the Cans may lead to the solution of cases involving the duplication of ATM and credit cards without their owners’ consent.

“There are two types of syndicates. Those who are buying credit cards and using it here in the country using fake documents and papers and those who buy credit cards and send the number to their accomplishes in other countries,” Manila Police District deputy director Senior Superintendent Robert Po said.

He said these syndicates flourish with the help of corrupt postal office employees who steal documents and other important papers.

Po believes the two Canadians, who posted bail yesterday after being charged under Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998, would leave the country and evade charges.

“We have defective laws. The police can make the arrests but there are loopholes that these members can use,” he said.