The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines said it has detained more than 400 foreign workers following a raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Parañaque City, Metro Manila. The facility is alleged to have been involved in fraudulent activities, including love and investment scams. Those arrested included Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Myanmar nationals.
Authorities reported that the raid, conducted in collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), uncovered scripts on the workers’ computers allegedly used to defraud victims. Despite a nationwide ban on POGO operations imposed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year, illicit hubs such as this one appear to continue operating under the radar.
Evidence gathering and proceedings underway
According to the NBI, the detained workers had undergone legal and immigration proceedings while their electronic devices examined for further evidence. Officials have indicated that surveillance of the hub had been ongoing for some time prior to the operation.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has demanded an explanation from the Parañaque City government regarding the POGO hub’s presence in the area. The facility was reportedly operating without a valid business permit, having reopened after an earlier closure.
Escalating concerns over POGO scam activities
The facility is described as a large-scale scam hub, with authorities suspecting it to be part of a broader network of operations targeting victims both locally and internationally. Some of the detained workers attempted to evade capture during the raid but were apprehended.
Authorities highlighted that remnants of POGO operators have persisted in illegal activities despite the crackdown and ban. They emphasised the importance of ongoing vigilance and coordination between agencies to prevent similar operations from continuing.
“The Bureau’s intelligence division, fugitive search unit (FSU), and Anti-Terrorist Group (ATG) have been monitoring the activities of these individuals for some time,” BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said. “Their operations were found to be in violation of immigration laws and posed significant risks to the public.”
“This raid is part of our intensified efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure that foreign nationals residing in the country comply with our laws. We will not tolerate any activities that endanger the safety and welfare of the public,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado added.
Government response to POGO challenges
Government officials have reiterated their commitment to addressing the issue and safeguarding the public from scams linked to such operations. The investigation continues as authorities work to identify additional evidence and ensure accountability for those involved in the illicit activities.
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