NBI Arrested Individual for Illegal Distribution of Copyrighted Law Review Materials
TACLOBAN CITY –
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a man for illegally
selling copyrighted bar exam review materials online, following a complaint
from a prominent review center.
Boanerges Ty Hidalgo was
caught in an entrapment operation on July 31, 2025, after allegedly
distributing exclusive video lectures and study guides from Jurists Bar
Review Center through a Facebook group called “Philippine
Law Student Help Group.”
Investigators said he sold
the materials for profit without permission from the review center.
The NBI-Cybercrime
Division (NBI-CCD) acted after Jurists reported the
unauthorized distribution of their intellectual property. Agents posed as
buyers and confirmed Hidalgo was offering the materials via an external drive.
The operation, conducted with the NBI-Eastern Visayas Regional Office, led to
his arrest on Trece Martirez Street in Tacloban City.
Hidalgo now faces charges
for cybercrime, piracy, and copyright infringement under several
laws, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Intellectual
Property Code.
NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago praised the operatives for their swift action, emphasizing the bureau’s dedication to protecting intellectual property rights. “The arrest of Hidalgo sends a strong message that the NBI will not tolerate piracy or any form of copyright infringement,” Santiago said. “We will continue to pursue individuals who exploit the hard work of authors and publishers for personal gain.”
The NBI-Eastern
Visayas Regional Office (NBI-EVRO) assisted in the operation, with
prosecutors from Tacloban City now preparing formal charges.
Hidalgo is currently
detained pending further legal proceedings.
Authorities encourage law
students to only purchase review materials from legitimate sources to
avoid supporting piracy.