In a significant move against transnational crime, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) of the Philippines has announced a collaborative effort with the Australian Federal Police and other international partners. This initiative follows the discovery of a scam operation in Pasay City, raided in October 2024, which targeted Australians among others. The Australian Federal Police’s National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) has been instrumental in alerting over 5,000 potential victims in Australia about the risks of romance scams originating from the Philippines. PAOCC Director Winston John Casio emphasized the commission’s dedication to eradicating these scam operations, highlighting the global nature of the crime. The Australian NASC, working alongside the Philippines’ Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre, identified that the majority of potential victims are males over 35. Following the investigation, these individuals were advised against sending money to online acquaintances and were provided with guidance on what to do if they had already fallen victim to the scam. The scammers, who often pose as Filipino women working in Australia or local residents, use dating apps to lure victims into fake relationships, eventually persuading them to invest in cryptocurrency. The scam typically starts with a small investment of AUD300 to AUD800, which escalates as the scammer convinces the victim to transfer funds into their account. The operation in Pasay City led to the arrest of over 250 suspects and the seizure of numerous electronic devices. The evidence collected has been shared internationally to aid in identifying and protecting potential victims. Catriona Lowe, deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, reported that Australians lost AUD23.6 million to such scams in 2024.
Philippine and Australian Agencies Join Forces to Combat Online Romance Scams
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