Cebu-Based Crypto Scam Worth $800K Taken Down After Online Investigation

A crypto scam operation in Cebu, Philippines ran a high-pressure call center that defrauded victims out of more than $800,000 using fake investment platforms like Quantum AI and Bitcoin Code. Based on the second floor of the Skyrise building in Cebu IT Park, the group targeted people in South Africa, Nigeria, and Gulf countries. Previous victims included those in the UK, Canada, and parts of Europe.

Operating under names such as BMJ Data Processing Services and BTC Boutique, the scammers promised unrealistic returns of 30% to 40% per week to lure deposits. They used emotional manipulation, fake scripts, and deceptive claims like local presence in Cape Town or Abuja to build trust. Some victims were convinced to send crypto through Bitcoin ATMs or hand over credit card details. Critical user data, including card numbers, was stored in plain text and left unprotected.

YouTuber “Mrwn” launched an undercover investigation after a friend received a suspicious call in mid-2024. He infiltrated the call center’s internal network and accessed live CCTV feeds and financial documents. Over a year, Mrwn collected evidence showing the group pulled in $820,000 annually, with $365,340 in profit after expenses like rent and staff wages. He also discovered connections to crypto exchanges including Binance, Coins.ph, and Netcoin.

After identifying key individuals, including floor manager “Marcus” (real name Antonio), Mrwn impersonated the group’s boss “Adam” on Telegram. He sent live CCTV screenshots to the team and used their own laptop microphones to confront them. The scammers fled their new office near Cebu’s Envy Bar and shut down servers and camera systems by the next day.

Despite early silence from most agencies, the Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology eventually responded. Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso stated, “Mrwn’s investigation has provided valuable leads, and we already have several persons of interest. We will pursue this investigation.”

You can watch video from Mrwn below: