The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has provided insight into the operations of cyber scam boiler rooms by collaborating with Philippine authorities in a repurposed scam facility that now trains law enforcement to combat cybercrime. Scams pose a serious threat to Australians, with Scamwatch reporting nearly 250,000 scam reports in 2024 alone, resulting in over $318 million in losses.
These offshore scam centres, which often disguise themselves as legitimate businesses, are established by organised crime groups that recruit numerous individuals to perpetrate fraud. The AFP has deployed cybercrime experts to support their Philippine counterparts in delivering intensive training aimed at dismantling these criminal networks.
Operation Firestorm, launched in August 2024, aims to disrupt scam centres in Manila. So far, several centres have been targeted, leading to hundreds of arrests and the seizure of numerous electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers. In a notable case, more than 5,000 Australian mobile numbers were identified on seized devices, prompting the AFP to issue warnings to potential victims about ongoing romance and cryptocurrency scams.
Training workshops have involved various Philippine law enforcement agencies, demonstrating a united front against cybercrime. The former scam hub where training is conducted has also been transformed into government offices and is linked to a food program for underprivileged children, highlighting a positive community impact.
AFP Commander of Cybercrime Operations, Graeme Marshall, emphasized the importance of disrupting these scam networks to protect Australians from fraud. The AFP remains committed to international cooperation in the battle against online scams, working closely with law enforcement across Southeast Asia to address this persistent and evolving threat. Meanwhile, Philippine officials affirm that the training has significantly strengthened their capabilities in tackling cybercrime.