86 foreigners arrested in Philippines over illegal POGO, online scamming operations
Eighty-six foreign nationals were apprehended in Makati City, Metro Manila, during a police raid targeting an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub operating as a scam farm. According to local media reports, the raid, which was carried out at 100 West Condominium on Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, was conducted jointly by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Makati City Police.
The action was part of a broader national effort to enforce President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive banning all POGO in the Philippines. The directive, issued late last year, aims to halt operations that allegedly contribute to economic crimes, including human trafficking and fraud.
Operation triggered by distress call
Authorities were prompted to investigate following a request from a Filipina who reported receiving distress messages from a Chinese friend allegedly being held against his will at the said condominium. The tip-off led the authorities to seek a BI Mission Order to conduct the raid, initially targeting one Chinese individual accused of human trafficking.
Upon entry, police discovered a full-scale online scam operation taking place within the premises. The arrested individuals comprised 82 Chinese nationals, three Vietnamese, and one Malaysian. The group was allegedly engaged in fraudulent online activities mimicking e-commerce operations.
Online scam farm disguised as e-commerce
According to the PNP-CIDG, the suspected illegal business operated under the name Sales Street Online-Gaming Supported Provider. Under the guise of an e-commerce platform, it targeted online consumers and businesses to obtain financial or personal information through deceitful tactics. Authorities recovered computers and other electronic devices believed to have been used in the fraudulent operations.
One of the detained individuals, identified only by the alias Tran, was reportedly working as administrative staff for the illegal operation. He is expected to face criminal charges under Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
Detainees under immigration investigation
The BI has taken custody of all apprehended individuals for documentation and further investigation. Authorities are reviewing their immigration records to determine potential violations of the Philippine Immigration Act and other local laws. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, additional charges may be filed.
Officials noted that the raid reflects a continued effort by government agencies to dismantle remaining illegal POGO and IGL operations in the country. This follows Executive Order No. 74, which mandates closer coordination among law enforcement bodies to curb crimes associated with offshore gaming activities.
The PNP-CIDG called on the public to report any suspicious POGO-related operations in their communities to assist in the crackdown against illegal activities involving both local and foreign actors.
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