Philippines arrests Chinese national for crime linked to online gaming hubs

Jenny Ortiz August 5, 2024

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines apprehended a Chinese national, Wang Chuancong, wanted by Beijing authorities for trafficking Chinese nationals to work in online gaming establishments. According to BI, the arrest was executed on July 30 by the bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) under Rendel Ryan Sy, at Wang’s condominium in Parañaque City.

Undocumented status and passport cancellation

Wang was found to be an undocumented alien following the cancellation of his passport by the Chinese government. According to the bureau’s travel database, Wang had been residing in the Philippines since February, having arrived as a tourist. His undocumented status and continued presence in the country prompted immediate action from the BI.

Charges and arrest

Wang is subject to a detention warrant issued by the municipal public security bureau in Jinjiang, China, in April 2024. He faces serious charges of human trafficking, a grave criminal offense under Chinese law. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirmed the fugitive’s identity and detailed the circumstances leading to his arrest.

“We were told that he heads a syndicate that facilitates the illegal departure of Chinese nationals by forging documents to facilitate their outbound travel in China,” Tansingco said. “This allows them to travel to different countries including the Philippines to work in online gaming hubs,” he added.

Mission order and detention

Tansingco issued a mission order for Wang’s arrest following the request from the Chinese authorities. Upon arrest, Wang was taken to the bureau’s warden facility in Taguig City, where he awaits deportation proceedings.

This arrest underscores the ongoing issues related to human trafficking within the online gaming industry in the Philippines. Wang’s syndicate is alleged to have forged documents to assist Chinese nationals in bypassing legal travel restrictions, thereby facilitating their illegal employment in the online gaming sector.

Last week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a total ban on all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country. He mandated the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to wind down and cease operations of POGOs by the end of the year.

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