PNP investigates whether gadgets confiscated from Chinese were used for espionage

The Philippine National Police is investigating the possibility that gadgets confiscated from a Chinese national may have been used for fraud and espionage.

A gadget search warrant issued by the Cybercrime Investigation and Prosecution Group has provided additional evidence to file a complaint against the suspect for illegal interception and misuse of illegal devices, according to a Thursday report by Dano Tingcungco in “24 Oras.”

While it could not provide further details of the assessment, the PNP confirmed it had applied for another cybercrime warrant to examine the contents of the gadgets.

“It appears that personal information that could be linked to fraud cannot be recovered,” said PNP Acting Public Information Officer, Police Col. Jean Fajardo.

(It appears they managed to recover evidence that would confirm they were used for fraud)

“Dahil may nakita pa po sila doong mga ebidensya, which may require the issuance of another cyber warrant to examine the data for the purpose of filing a separate case that may be related to sinasabi niyo pong espionage. Until a cyber warrant is issued regarding this data, it is premature to disclose kung ano po yung laman nito,” she added.

(Because they have seen evidence that may require another cyber warrant to examine the data in order to file a separate case that may relate to what you are calling espionage. Until we receive a cyber warrant for this data, it is premature to disclose its contents.)

A Chinese national who was arrested for pointing a gun in Makati City remains under the supervision of the Bureau of Immigration and will not yet be labeled a spy.

Still, the PNP said possessing a radio transmitter without a permit is a red flag that raises suspicion.

“(Was) this gadget used or will be used for espionage activities? That will be the subject of further investigation. Sabi nga po ng CIDG sa akin kanina (As the CIDG told me earlier), they are careful not to reveal too much,” Fajardo shared.

During the arrest of the said Chinese national in May last year, the PNP managed to confiscate various gadgets, a set of circuit board devices, a portable power station, a military-grade drone, a high-powered firearm, and a bundle of PHP 1,000 bills.

The Makati court granted the PNP permission to conduct a forensic examination after it found probable cause that “illegal wiretapping has been, is being, or is about to be committed.”

“You are hereby authorized to issue an order directing the petitioner to retain and use the seized and examined computer data, including the results of the on-site and off-site forensic examination of the computers, in the investigation and subsequent filing of a complaint for violation of Republic Act 10175… against the respondent and his associates,” the Makati court ruled.

The PNP examined one iPhone 15, one multi-band directional antenna system, two battery packs, one solar inverter, one radio receiver/transmitter, one Huawei router, one Apple tablet, two cell phones, one laptop, one inverter, one drone, one processor, and one portable power station pursuant to the said warrant. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News