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The AFP is working with Philippine authorities to identify Australian victims of romance scams after more than 250 suspected cyber criminals were arrested in Manila.

Philippine law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant for suspected immigration violations at a scam compound in Pasay City, central Manila, on 3 October, 2024.

Soon after, two AFP members and a Manila based-AFP liaison officer, with relevant local partners, searched the scam compound for intelligence relating to Australian scam victims.

The AFP activity was launched under Operation Firestorm, which was set up this year to disrupt offshore organised crime syndicates that deceive Australians through romance, investment or cryptocurrency scams.

AFP technical experts and cryptocurrency experts, with the Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), are now collecting information about who was targeted and the methodologies used to extract cash from victims.

The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre (JPC3), in partnership with the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), will contact potential victims as evidence becomes available.

The evidence gathered will be shared with other law enforcement partners to help shut down other scam centres operating across the globe.

Philippine authorities arrested more than 190 foreign nationals and 68 Filipino nationals for alleged immigration offences, plus seized more than 300 computer towers, more than 1000 mobile phones and thousands of sim cards.

It is alleged men over the age of 35 years were targeted on social media and dating applications.

The scammers would communicate with victims to build trust before asking them to invest money in a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading platform. The alleged scammers were working shifts to align with Australian time zones.

AFP Assistant Commissioner David McLean said the action was a significant milestone for Operation Firestorm, with investigators accessing a scam centre compound for the first time.

“A large portion of cybercrime affecting Australians originates offshore, and this action shows how the AFP and its international partners are proactively taking the fight to these syndicates where they operate,” Assistant Commissioner McLean said.

“We commend the PAOCC and NBI for their work in identifying this boiler room and taking swift action to shut it down.

“I thank them for the trust they have shown in the AFP by allowing us to work with them.

“We have gathered valuable intelligence on the structure of these types of scam call centres, how they are targeting Australians and the ways to help identify victims.

“An AFP cryptocurrency expert was given a unique insight into the financial and money laundering structures operating within these hubs, and that will be immensely helpful in developing our strategies in combatting this crime impacting Australia.”

If you are a victim of cybercrime, report it to police using Report Cyber.

Australians should remain vigilant of romance scams and investment scams, and are reminded to consider the following advice:

• Be sceptical of urgent requests for money or personal information, even if they appear to come from trusted sources;
• Use search engines and social media to research a person or a company’s background and ensure their identity matches their online presence;
• Romance scammers can profess love or strong emotions quickly to manipulate their targets emotionally. Be aware of these signs. Always verify the identity of the person you're communicating with online. Request video calls or meetings in person, if possible;
• Trust your instincts. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is; and
• Report any suspicious profiles or interactions to the platform or authorities responsible for online fraud.

The JPC3 brings together Australian law enforcement and key industry and international partners to fight cybercrime and prevent harm and financial loss to the Australian community.

We are committed to equipping all Australians with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves against cybercrime.

Watch our cybercrime prevention videos and protect yourself from being a victim of cybercrime.

If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, call 000.