A Cebu City-based call center masquerading as a cryptocurrency investment firm has been exposed for orchestrating an international scam that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and $BTC investments to defraud victims across multiple countries.
How Did It Happen?
In a viral but now-restricted video by cybersecurity researcher and ethical hacker with a YouTube channel named “mrwn,” the fraudulent operation was uncovered, which involved manipulating victims through the promise of AI-powered trading systems that falsely guaranteed high returns on $BTC investments.
According to mrwn, the scam operated under multiple brand names, including Virtual Wealth Exchange, BTC Boutique, and, most recently, Solis Markets. The scammers claimed to use advanced AI trading bots to generate huge weekly returns, luring victims to deposit money.
Over a year of monitoring the call center, the hacker, who infiltrated the group’s internal systems, gained access to live CCTV feeds, agent desktops, email logs, and call recordings.
The YouTube video titled “Scammers Panic After Getting Hacked Live on CCTV!” gained widespread attention with over 55,000 likes and 2.5 million views, helping to expose the alleged scam operation.
However, it has since been removed from YouTube in the Philippines, both on mobile and desktop modes, with a notice stating the content is “not available on this country domain due to a defamation complaint.”
Scam Operation
The scam operates by luring victims into a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme called Quantum AI Bitcoin Code, claiming to use AI to trade $BTC for high returns. Victims were told that their funds would be managed by AI-powered trading bots capable of generating weekly profits of 30% to 40%.
In addition to the fake crypto scheme, the scammers employed emotional and psychological manipulation to control their victims. They applied pressure to deter withdrawals or cancellations, often using guilt as a tactic.
Scammers also frequently changed their accents and locations to suit the target, claiming to be based in African cities such as Abuja or Cape Town and falsely stating they were licensed financial entities.
In one case, a South African victim was persuaded to continue investing after an agent cited the country’s high cost of living to make him feel obligated to stay committed.
“You’ve been struggling already, right? And the cost of living here in South Africa, it’s really expensive, Mr. Norman. That’s why I’m wondering why do you want to cancel everything when you are struggling right now?”
An agent said in a recorded call with a Nigerian victim
Once victims deposited a minimum of $200 worth of crypto or fiat, they were given access to fabricated dashboards that simulated live $BTC trading activity and profits.
“In just five minutes, you make $6.61, Mrs. Cameron. Congratulations.”
An agent said in a recorded call with a British victim.
Behind the scenes, agents manually controlled the fake platform to show manipulated gains, reinforcing the illusion of successful AI-driven crypto trading. This illusion often convinced victims to invest more, believing the AI was delivering consistent returns.
But in reality, no actual $BTC trading took place, and the funds were funneled directly to the scammers.
According to leaked documents accessed by the hacker, the operation earned more than $68,000 (₱3.9 million) in February alone, with annual profits allegedly exceeding ₱20 million.
Actual Use of Crypto?
During mrwn’s confrontation with operations floor manager “Antonio” via his laptop, the video revealed Antonio’s email account displaying messages from crypto exchange platforms such as Binance, Netcoins, and even locally licensed Coins.ph.
This raises suspicions that the alleged online scam boss in Cebu may be actually utilizing cryptocurrency in the operation.
Law Enforcement Response
In the video, the hacker said he reached out to several authorities in the Philippines but received little response, with only one agency, the Department of Justice, advising him to file a local police report—an option unavailable to him since he is not based in the country.
However, after the video went viral, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) launched an investigation into the call center.
Moreover, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has expressed its intent to collaborate with mrwn.
“Let me say that, first and foremost, for and behalf Secretary Henry Aguda, we want to reject the notion that the Philippine government does not act in the face of adversity. You [mrwn] now contact directly the DICT at dict.gov.ph or the CICC at cicc.gov.ph. And we will make sure that whatever investigations you have, whatever findings you have, we would entertain it. We would follow it up. Rest assured that you have partners here in the DICT and the CICC as well as our other government agencies partners; willing and share your advocacy against scammers.”
Assistant Secretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, Spokesperson, Department of Information and Communications Technology
In addition, he noted that the investigation of mrwn has provided them good leads and “several persons of interest.” According to him, with mrwn’s information, they could attribute certain crimes to the persons of interest, access their location, and apprehend them.
Paraiso also encouraged hacktivists to work with the DICT in combating cybercrime and scam hubs that operate both locally and internationally.
Meanwhile, a SunStar report stated that Police Regional Office (PRO-7) Director Redrico Atienza Maranan and Cebu City Police Office Director Enrico Figueroa conducted a site inspection at the suspected online scam operation in Cebu City, which has since been temporarily shut down.
While the authorities found the office empty but with computers left behind, the Business Permit and Licensing Office and police have already issued a show cause order and are applying for a cyber warrant to examine the computers.
Officials then urged employees to come forward or face charges.
This article is published on BitPinas: Huli sa Akto! Cebu Scam Hub Utilizing AI and Crypto Busted by Hacker with Full CCTV Access
What else is happening in Crypto Philippines and beyond?
