PNP Arrests Cordillera’s Most Wanted in Collaboration With GCash

The Philippine National Police Anti Cyber Crime Group (PNP-ACG) has recently tracked down and arrested the most wanted person in the Cordillera, in collaboration with the country’s leading mobile wallet, GCash.

Leny Orcine Sierda, a 37-year-old female resident of Brgy. Santa Catalina, San Pablo, Laguna, is now facing charges after receiving a series of fund transfers totaling to ₱71,500.00 as downpayment for a fraudulent real estate transaction under the name of Brenda Maxwell.

The victim, a 23-year-old male research analyst and resident of Baguio City, reported the crime when his online messages were blocked by Sierda, after the victim paid the agreed amount for a unit in Cypress Towers, a property located in Brgy. Ususan, Taguig. Further investigation led to the true identity of the suspect, who happens to be the PNP’s top-most wanted in Cordillera.

According to the victim, he met Sierda through an online platform for buying, selling, and leasing properties.

Sierda was tagged by the law enforcement agency as the number one most wanted criminal in the province during the first quarter of 2023.

"The apprehension of Cordillera’s number one most wanted cybercriminal is an indication of our police force’s improved capabilities in fighting cybercrime with technology and the proactive cooperation of GCash. We aim to further strengthen this joint operation in order to achieve a safe online environment for the Filipino consumer," says PBGen Sidney Hernia, PNP ACG Director.

The leading fintech has been in close coordination with law enforcement authorities, such as the PNP, CIDG, CICC, and NBI, to ensure the security of its more than 7 million users against criminals, scammers, and fraudsters. A large number of suspects were detained as a result of the cooperation, and more than 900,000 fraudulent accounts were blocked in 2022.

GCash warns users to exercise caution when transacting on the platform, never reveal their MPIN or OTP, and never click links that lead to external websites or senders, especially if they are unfamiliar.

For help and assistance, contact the PNP-ACG via their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560, 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph.

To report scams and fraudulent activities, visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com or message Gigi on the website and type, "I want to report a scam." GCash will never send private messages to ask for personal information, especially the MPIN and One-Time Pin (OTP). Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for queries and other concerns.