BI arrests Chinese hacker Lin Qiude on fraud charges

On Monday, the Bureau of Immigration announced the arrest of 40-year-old Chinese computer hacker Lin Qiude on July 20 inside a luxury villa resort in San Fernando City, La Union.

Lin is suspected of working for an online gaming hub raided last month in Porac, Pampanga and is considered a leader among hackers involved in fraudulent activities.

Chinese authorities have identified Lin as a fugitive wanted for fraud and issued a warrant of detention charging him with hacking bank accounts of victims in the US, Middle East, and Europe.

BI fugitive search unit chief Rendel Ryan Sy noted that upon his arrest, Lin was alone at the villa, suggesting that other individuals involved may be hiding to avoid capture by law enforcement.

The operation was conducted in cooperation with intelligence groups from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Lin is currently detained at the BI custodial facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending deportation proceedings and filing of cases against him.