BI arrests Indonesian suspected of cybercrimes

Immigration personnel nab Indonesian national Angga Pratama on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Photo from the Bureau of Immigration.

MANILA, Philippines — An Indonesian allegedly involved in cybercrime operations was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday.

The BI held  the foreigner identified as Angga Pratama while trying to fly out of the country for Singapore last Thursday, Dec. 21, after noting a derogatory hit in his name.

The BI said Angga is overstaying in the country and was an employee of an online gaming company in Las Piñas City that was allegedly involved in trafficking and cybercrimes.

BI’s Border Control Intelligence Unit also said Angga is working without a permit in Xinchuang Network Technology Inc., which was raided by police and ordered shut down by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation earlier this year.

Angga is alleged to have been involved in cybercrimes while employed in the company, the BI noted.

“The BI remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard our borders against individuals involved in illegal activities. We are committed to ensuring the security and integrity of our nation’s borders,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a press release.

Angga is currently detained in the BI’s holding facility in Taguig City, the agency said. He will temporarily be held there until his deportation.

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