Telecom leader Globe has lauded the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for the successful arrest of two Chinese nationals involved in the illegal sale of pre-registered SIM cards, a direct violation of the SIM Registration Act. The suspects were apprehended during a buy-bust operation where authorities seized a total of 4,000 SIM cards—1,700 Globe SIMs and 2,300 TM SIMs—destined for use in a range of criminal activities, including online phishing, romance scams, and mobile fraud.
The operation highlights the serious criminal implications of pre-registered SIMs, which are commonly used to conceal the identity of cybercriminals engaging in illicit schemes. Under the SIM Registration Act, both selling and purchasing pre-registered SIM cards are punishable offenses, carrying penalties of six months to six years of imprisonment and fines between P100,000 and P300,000.
“We commend the PNP-CIDG for their vigilance and swift action in dismantling this dangerous network of fraudsters,” said Froilan Castelo, Globe’s general counsel. “This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the SIM Registration Act in curbing criminal activities, and we stand with authorities in rooting out scams that put our customers at risk.”
Globe has repeatedly urged its customers to register only their own SIM cards and to avoid any offers to register SIMs on behalf of others for financial gain. The company also warns against purchasing SIMs with tampered packaging, which could indicate prior use for illicit purposes.
As mobile fraud continues to rise, Globe reaffirms its commitment to supporting law enforcement and ensuring the safety and security of its users in the digital space.
