Korean charged in court for hacking telco’s system

A 49-year-old Korean national is facing charges before the court for allegedly having in his possession of counterfeit access devices and for using such devices in hacking the communication system of a telecommunication companies.

Kim Jin Sung, a resident of Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, is facing violations of Republic Act (RA) 8484 or Access Device Regulation Act and Section 3 of RA 8792 or E-commerce Law before the court.

In an inquest proceeding before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office, Kim chose not to file counter-affidavit to answer the accusations filed against him. Instead, he manifested to face the charges in court.

Prosecutor III Alex Gabud recommended P60,000 bail for RA 8484 while P18,000 for RA 8792 for Kim's temporary liberty.

On July 26, 2018 at 10 a.m., operatives of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-7 received a complaint from Globe Telecom represented by Manolito Zapata regarding the alleged illegal activity of Blessy Encluna through the use of counterfeit access devices.

Zapata alleged Encluna engaged in illegal telephone bypass scheme known in telco [arlance as International Simple Resale where international inbound calls are being rerouted to make it appear that these calls were mere local calls, thus depriving Globe Telecom to bill the right amount.

A search warrant was issued against Encluna.

During the search on August 9, 2018, at around 2:22 p.m., operatives saw a man later identified as Kim inside the room allegedly operating and having in his possession and control counterfeit access devices which prompted them to stop him.

Operatives were able to recover computer sets and accessories, globe connection line cable and internet support modem among others.

During the implementation of the warrant, Encluna was not around. —

Mylen P. Manto/MBG