MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized financial activities, issuing a stern warning against an entity named “Ecocapsule” and several platforms operating under the HTX brand.
In an advisory released on April 11, 2026, the regulator cautioned that these groups are operating without the necessary corporate registrations or licenses to solicit investments from the public.
According to the SEC, Ecocapsule has been enticing investors with promises of “unusually high returns” over short durations through two tiers:
- The “Mini” Plan: Promises a maximum hourly income of P1,212.08, totaling over P174,000 in just 60 days.
- The “Large” Plan: Dangles a daily income of up to P43,411.02, potentially reaching P347,000 over an 80-day cycle.
- Red Flags: The scheme utilizes team-building and marketing commissions—hallmarks of illegal investment-taking—and is not registered to offer securities.
The Commission also flagged HTX Cryptocurrency Exchange and Huobi Global for offering digital asset trading and derivatives services without proper authorization.
- Lack of Licenses: The SEC noted these entities are not registered as crypto-asset service providers in the Philippines and lack secondary licenses to offer securities.
- Legal Violations: Soliciting investments without these permits is a violation of Republic Act No. 8799 (The Securities Regulation Code).
Beyond investment schemes, the SEC warned against a new tactic involving unauthorized application package files (APKs) sent via mobile messaging.
- How it Works: Scammers posing as representatives of legitimate institutions encourage users to install these files.
- The Risk: Once installed, the files can allow hackers to intercept one-time passwords (OTPs), access sensitive financial data, and perform unauthorized loan transactions or bank transfers using the victim’s credentials.
The SEC urges the public to verify the registration of any investment firm through the SEC iMessage Portal or official hotline before committing funds. Those already involved with these entities are advised to stop immediately and report the activity to the Commission’s enforcement department.