Xavier studes tagged as 'cyber terrorists'
By Joey P. Nacalaban
TAGGED as the most wanted "cyber-terrorists" in the world, two university college students here are now the subject of a manhunt by authorities.
The identities of the two suspects are still being withheld pending for their immediate arrest.
Atty. Salvador Belaro Jr., legal counsel of Webzen Inc., only identified the two students as Mr X and Mr Y and they are currently studying at Xavier University.
Belaro said the two, whose exact location in the city are still unknown, are said to be third year Information Management students.
Belaro said between the two, it is Mr X who is considered to be a computer wizard.
Based on prior investigations conducted by Webzen technical consultants, the suspects had committed acts that violated the intellectual property rights of Webzen.
They are being under investigation by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for violations of the E-Commerce Law (hacking etc.), and copyright infringement.
They are also being charged with libel and unfair competition. Belaro said Mr X's illegal activities had already reached international attention.
According to reports, Belaro said, Mr X's name is already included in the list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States for being one of the most wanted "cyber-terrorists" in the world.
Last Tuesday, a group of NBI operatives raided two internet cafes for operating illegally an online game, "MU".
MU is the hottest online game in Asia and the number 2 in the entire country today surpassing any other online games.
Belaro said when they reached Cagayan de Oro they immediately conducted a random survey among the Internet cafes on who's really operating an MU game.
Belaro said the suspects have created cheats that destroyed the integrity of the games. The suspects also posted hack utilities for MU in the Internet.
Belaro told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro he already sent a request to Lorimer Angeles, director of student affairs at Xavier University to facilitate the ongoing investigation by the NBI.
"In this regard we wish to inquire whether, in view of these acts, our client could initiate expulsion proceedings from Xavier University against him, if yes we would likewise be grateful for informing us on the proper procedure," the request reads.
(February 19, 2005 issue)
Sun Star Cagayan de Oro Newspaper
Currently feeling: shocked