Around 2% of over 16,000 cybercrime cases probed led to arrests

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 14) — The Philippine National Police Anti-Cyber Crime Group (PNP ACG) has so far investigated a record 16,297 cybercrime cases that led to the arrest of nearly 400 suspects, or roughly 2 percent of the total.

"This year, cybercriminals have exploited emerging technologies like non-fungible tokens, cryptocurrencies, and online casinos to defraud unsuspecting victims," PNP ACG chief PBGen. Sidney Hernia said in a statement on Thursday.

Online scams were the most common type of cybercrime, which Hernia said indicates the changing landscape of digital threats.

Other are illegal access, computer related identity theft, ATM/credit card draud, threats, data interference, anti-photo and video voyeurism, computer related fraud, and unjust vexation.

The ACG said 397 people have been arrested, or around 2% of total cybercrime cases investigated from January to August.

More than 4,000 victims have been spared, mostly during operations against human trafficking, the ACG said.

The police unit assured the public it is closely monitoring activities like online sabong (cockfighting), stepping up cyber patrol operations against terrorism and disinformation on social media, and conducting digital forensic analyses to acquire evidence.