Joint police, Globe security team arrests 5 WIMAX fraudster

Two separate buy-bust operations conducted by a joint police and Globe Telecom security team resulted in the arrest of five people involved in the illegal sale of WIMAX modems in the provinces of Laguna and Cavite. More details after the jump.

In both instances, the modus operandi is to pull-out the WIMAX modem from legitimate subscribers on pretext of an upgrade. The modems are then reconfigured and sold at a one-time cost payment.

In the first buy-bust operation, Jose Narcida, a resident of Moonwalk Village in Las Pinas City, is alleged to be behind such illegal activity. Following numerous reports of illegal pull-out of Globe WIMAX modems, a joint team from Globe Security, Anti-Fraud and Investigation division and police personnel conducted an entrapment operation last April 15 where Reynald Denapo of Dasmarinas, Cavite was arrested. He was caught in possession of a Globe WIMAX modem he was offering for sale in the amount of PHP3,500.

During police interrogation, Denapo claimed that the modem came from Jose Narcida, whom he met in July 2012. At that time, Denapo offered him an internet connection with the use of Globe WIMAX modem without monthly bills. He availed of Narcida's offer for PHP2,500. Later on, Narcida was able to convince him to engage in buy and sell of WIMAX modem. Denapo agreed to assist in the entrapment operation against Narcida.

On the following day, April 16, an entrapment operation was staged against Narcida and he was arrested in possession of two Globe WIMAX modems. During interrogation, police found out that Narcida has been working as repairman for Teleserbis Corp., which until recently was engaged in a third-party agreement with Globe. He admitted selling reconfigured WIMAX modems.

Following inquest at the Dasmarinas Prosecution Office for violation of RA 8484, which is the Access Devices Regulations Act, Narcida was detained by police. Denapo, on the other hand, will be a witness in the case against Narcida.

Another joint entrapment operation conducted April 29 by police and Globe security team led to the arrest of three suspects, including two employees of Visa Tech, an accredited Globe contractor.

Nabbed were Mark Villanueva and Francisco Espino, who both work as an installer for Visa Tech and are both residents of Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite. Christoper Viado, 22 years old, a sales agent of JV Telecommunications Services residing in Mendez, Cavite, was also arrested following the entrapment operation.

Seized from the suspects were 3 modems and a vehicle used in illegal activity.

"We appeal to our subscribers to report to us any dubious offers they may receive from unscrupulous individuals engaged in illegal sale of our products and services. Rest assured that we will continue to work closely with police authorities in resolving these problems," said Atty. Froilan M. Castelo, Head of Globe Corporate and Legal Services Group.

He added legitimate subscription of Globe products and services are available through Globe-authorized sellers and distributors as well as in numerous Globe Stores nationwide.

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