Chinese national arrested in Makati; suspected hacking devices seized

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese national was arrested in Makati City on Wednesday afternoon for illegal possession of firearms and coercing a victim to deliver unidentified hacking devices into his home, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

In a report on Thursday, CIDG identified the suspect as Yuhang Liu, who was collared by authorities along Finlandia St. corner Codornico St., Barangay San Isidro, around 4:19 p.m.

Suspect Yuhang Liu was collared by authorities along Finlandia St. corner Codornico St., Barangay San Isidro, on May 29, 2024. INQUIRER.net / Faith Argosino

Police said it received a distress call from the victim, whom Liu reportedly threatened and coerced “to move to different vital installations and public places to hack or access mobile phones’ IMEIs (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and other electronic devices.”

CIDG operatives validated the report and conducted surveillance in the area where the suspect, carrying a handgun tucked on his waist, was apprehended.

“This gave the personnel of this unit reasonable suspicion, prompting them to accost the suspect. When asked for his identification and authority to possess such a firearm, he failed to present any, leading to his arrest and seizure of the said firearm,” CIDG said.

Following his arrest, CIDG said its operatives, along with Makati City Police Station personnel, confiscated the following items from the suspect:

• P15,000
• Seven mobile phones
• A pistol
• A magazine and live ammunition
• A unit antenna system multi-band directional
• Two batteries
• A unit of solar inverter
• Radio receiver or transmitter
• A router
• A tablet
• A laptop
• A power bank and a fan

Confiscated items from suspect Yuhang Liu inside the office of CIDG. INQUIRER.net / Faith Argosino

Authorities conducted a follow-up operation upon discovering that the suspect also kept more equipment in a unit at Marina Seaview Residence, Paranaque City.

Four identification cards, an inverter unit, an aerial drone, a keyboard, a CPU, and a portable power station were found in the location.

Liu is currently under CIDG’s custody for violating Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act, and RA 8484, or Access Device Act, concerning RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

CIDG Public Information Office chief Col. Imelda Reyes said they are looking into all the possibilities as to why the suspect owned such high-tech gadgets, including the possibility that he is a “spy.”