A YouTube creator known as mrwn has exposed what appears to be a large scam operation in Cebu, Philippines.
In a 23-minute video, mrwn showed how he gained access to the scam centre’s computers and CCTV feed.
The footage suggests a fraud ring working from a call centre–style office. Mrwn claims the group earns about $800,000 each year. They target overseas victims, using stolen credit card data and pressuring people to send cryptocurrency through Bitcoin ATMs.
Crypto Scam Raking in $800K Annually
To confront the scammers, mrwn pretended to be the group’s backer. He called an agent’s computer using a messaging app. The agents panicked and scrambled to verify the call’s origin.
Once they realised the caller was not who he claimed to be, they blocked the account. Mrwn then sent live CCTV images of them at work. This forced the agents to evacuate. He even spoke directly to the floor manager through the manager’s laptop microphone.
Screenshots shared by mrwn show email alerts for Binance, Netcoin and local platform Coins.ph on the manager’s screen. This points to a possible role of cryptocurrency in the fraud.
Mrwn also said he tried reaching out to various Philippine agencies but did not get a reply, except from the Department of Justice. They asked him to file a local police report, but Mrwn could not do so because he does not live in the Philippines.
One viewer wrote to mrwn, expressing frustration at how common scams are in the country and how little is done to stop them.
Government Launches Official Investigation
The video quickly went viral, gathering over 2.7 million views on YouTube and spreading across social media. In response, the Philippines’ Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre, or CICC, officially launched an investigation.
Renato Paraiso, assistant secretary at the Department of Information and Communications Technology, spoke at a virtual press briefing.
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He addressed mrwn directly, saying the government does act when faced with challenges. He promised a formal inquiry into the operation shown in the video.
Crypto Rules on the Horizon
This controversy comes as the Philippines’ SEC works on new rules for crypto-related businesses. Local reports say the SEC is drafting fresh regulations for crypto-asset service providers.
These new rules are expected to bring more oversight and help control the growing influence of digital currencies in illegal activities.
The exposure of the alleged scam operation has put a sharp focus on the need for stronger regulation and quicker government action. With viral content now serving as a tool for accountability, authorities are being pushed to act.
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