Intercepting Signal Devices Capture Two Culprits
NBI Seizes Illegally Used IMSI Catchers and Signal Sniffing Devices in Cebu
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Cebu City has seized a collection of illegal IMSI catchers and signal sniffing devices during a raid at a hotel. The operation, conducted on August 8, 2025, followed the arrest of two Chinese-Malaysian nationals on June 28, 2025.
The seized equipment, which included laptops, Raspberry Pis, antennas, and modular setups, is believed to have been used for intercepting cellular and internet data without proper authorization or a valid license from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). These devices can capture data from networks up to 5G, making them powerful tools for eavesdropping and data interception.
The operation was carried out by a composite team from the NBI-Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-CEVRO), Cybercrime Investigation Coordination Center (CICC), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and NTC, under a warrant issued by the Cebu Regional Trial Court. The suspects were initially arrested on July 28, 2025, with the evidence seizure and further device confiscation on August 8.
Experts from DICT and CICC have confirmed the technical capability of the seized equipment. They describe these devices as illegal transceivers or sniffing devices that collect Internet data unlawfully. The NBI is preparing charges for violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175) against the suspects.
The seized equipment is currently undergoing an in-depth forensic examination to support the case. This incident marks the first seizure of such devices in Cebu, though similar devices had been confiscated previously in Manila. The operation highlights intensified efforts to combat illegal cyber activities and protect data privacy in the Philippines.
It is currently unclear what specific crimes these devices were used for, and no further details about the illegal activities have been provided. The investigation is ongoing.
[1] Philstar Global. (2025, August 9). NBI seizes illegal signal sniffing devices in Cebu. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/08/09/2136255/nbi-seizes-illegal-signal-sniffing-devices-cebu
[2] Manila Standard. (2025, August 9). NBI seizes illegal signal sniffing devices in Cebu. Retrieved from https://www.manilastandard.net/news/nation/385155/nbi-seizes-illegal-signal-sniffing-devices-in-cebu.html
[3] ABS-CBN News. (2025, August 9). NBI seizes illegal signal sniffing devices in Cebu. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/09/25/nbi-seizes-illegal-signal-sniffing-devices-in-cebu
[4] GMA News Online. (2025, August 9). NBI seizes illegal signal sniffing devices in Cebu. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/nation/regional/794871/nbi-seizes-illegal-signal-sniffing-devices-in-cebu/story/
- The illegal IMSI catchers and signal sniffing devices seized by the NBI in Cebu could potentially be used for superbalita, as these devices are capable of intercepting cellular and internet data without proper authorization.
- The cybersecurity implications of the operation in Cebu are significant, as the confiscated equipment could have been employed in general-news or crime-and-justice cybercrimes, given their ability to eavesdrop on networks up to 5G.
- The joint effort by the NBI, CICC, DICT, and NTC to seize illegal signal sniffing devices in Cebu showcases the regional strategy in combating illegal cyber activities and protecting data privacy, with similar seizures having been made in Manila in the past.
