MANILA - The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has filed a complaint against a couple allegedly behind an investment scam using cryptocurrency Bitcoin.

Some 23 others, who are considered key players or called as "upline" in the online investment scheme, are also facing the same complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

One of them told ABS-CBN News she has received death threats from investors or "downline" following the arrest of couple Arnel Ordonio and his wife Leonady.

The couple are the registered owners of NewG, a company allegedly soliciting investments from unsuspecting investors.

"Sa text, comment sa Facebook. Naintindihan ko naman ang downlines ko eh, kasi kung ano ang nararamdaman ko, nararamdaman nila,” Jhane Reyes said.

According to her, more than 100 of her investors shelled out almost P300 million.

It was only in December she sensed something was wrong with the business and began to pull out some of her investment, including those with her downline.

"Kesyo marami na raw akong naipundar, nasa akin daw ang mga pera. Nung time ng December, nag-abono na raw po kami noon. Marami pong makakapagpatunay, nag-pull out na po kami ng downlines ko, di po sapat 'yun para sa downlines ko," she explained.

• Couple arrested for alleged bitcoin investment scam

Meanwhile, another upline has also been receiving death threats.

Mark Anthony Dela Paz said 115 of his investors placed a total of P196 million in the company. His relatives put in some P15 million while his friends invested P10 million.

"Sa text and and chat sa FB, hinahanahap po ako, papatayin daw po, uunahin daw po ang pamilya," he shared.

Dela Paz said he could never return the money of his investors.

"Kahit magtrabaho po ako ng buong bahay, hindi ko po mababalik 'yun. Kasi lahat din po ng kinita ko, naabono ko na rin po eh," he claimed.

Reyes and Dela Paz, who insisted they were also victims, also filed a complaint against the Ordonio couple and 3 others.