NBI arrests 5 for spying near military camps, including 2 Chinese nationals

Five individuals, including two Chinese nationals, have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for suspected spying activities near military and police camps in Metro Manila.

The suspects were identified as Ni Qinhui, Zheng Wei, Omar Khan Kashim Joveres, Leo Laraya Panti, and Mark Angelo Boholst Binza; Qinhui's wife also surrendered additional ICT equipment to the NBI.

Based on reports from the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), unauthorized base stations and IMSI catchers used for surveillance and data theft were recovered from the suspects during their activities in key areas like Villamor Airbase, Camp Aguinaldo, Malacañang, and the US Embassy.

The NBI arrested Joveres, Panti, and Binza after detecting unauthorized base stations and transmissions on February 20 following reports of vehicles using IMSI catchers near military and police camps.

Qinhui's wife admitted that her husband had several IMSI catchers and employed three suspects to operate the ICT equipment in Metro Manila for a monthly fee ranging from P2,500 to P3,000.

All five individuals are facing charges under Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) and Commonwealth Act No. 616 (espionage).