February 28, 2025
Philippine law enforcement agencies have apprehended more than 400 individuals during a raid on a suspected cybercrime hub in Pasay City, Manila. The operation targeted an establishment believed to be involved in illegal online gambling and various online scams.
The raid, conducted on Wednesday night, resulted in the detention of 401 individuals. Among those arrested were 207 Chinese nationals and 132 Vietnamese nationals. The remaining detainees included citizens from South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Madagascar. Additionally, 52 Filipino workers, primarily serving as housekeeping staff, were also found on the premises.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Pasay City government, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). The raid was initiated following a tip from a concerned citizen who reported a significant number of foreign nationals frequenting the building.
Authorities reported the seizure of computers, bundles of SIM cards, and other electronic equipment allegedly used by the suspects to target individuals outside the Philippines. Investigations revealed that the establishment was operating without a valid business permit, leading the Pasay City government to issue a closure order.
Initial findings suggest that the hub was engaged in various fraudulent activities, including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams, and spamming operations. Notably, some of the computers contained lists of Filipino names alongside corresponding amounts received via local e-wallets, indicating that local residents may have also been victimized.
The DOJ-OOC has expressed concern over the involvement of Filipinos in these scams, highlighting that both foreign nationals and local citizens have been targeted. Digital forensic examinations of the seized equipment are planned, pending the acquisition of necessary warrants.
This crackdown aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate such operations by the end of the previous year. Despite ongoing efforts, some illegal online gambling and scam operations have persisted within the country.
The Bureau of Immigration has been notified to verify the legal status of the foreign nationals’ stay in the Philippines. Depending on the outcomes of the investigation, charges related to human trafficking and cybercrimes may be filed against key individuals, while others who were potentially coerced into participation may face deportation.
Human trafficking and forced labor associated with online scams continue to pose significant challenges in Southeast Asia. The United Nations has reported that criminal organizations have coerced numerous individuals in the region into participating in unlawful online scam operations, including fraudulent romantic schemes, bogus investment pitches, and illegal gambling activities.
The Philippine government remains committed to intensifying its efforts to combat these illicit operations and protect both its citizens and international victims from such fraudulent schemes.
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