Chinese nat’l arrested at Laoag Airport for illegal gadgets

LAOAG CITY (Aug. 27) – A Chinese national was held for questioning by Customs authorities at the Laoag International Airport for carrying suspicious devices alleged to be used in illegal activities.

Authorities said the suspect identified as Jun Gao, 21, from Sichuan province, China, will be charged with violation of Republic Act No. 8484, known as the “Access Devices Act of 1998”.

Customs officers seized from the suspect a package containing two One-Time Pin/Password (OTP) gadgets or access devices, seven Chinese identification cards, seven credit cards, and five SIM cards from Chinese telecommunications companies

Through an interpreter, the non-English speaking Gao, said in Mandarin that he was only requested by a friend to transport and give the package to a person who will be fetching him at the airport.

Experts say that the devices seized from the suspect are used by cybercriminals in tampering stolen digital cards.
Investigators are now conducting follow-up operations to identify his cohorts, who may be hiding in Ilocos Region. (tsg)