The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced that 17 foreign nationals, arrested last week for alleged cyber-related scams in Makati City, have undergone inquest proceedings and will soon face formal charges. The suspects include 15 Chinese nationals, a Malaysian supervisor, and a Taiwanese citizen.
According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, the arrests occurred during a raid at a suspected scam hub in a five-story building. Photocopies of expired passports were recovered, with the suspects claiming their actual documents were with the Bureau of Immigration for visa downgrading purposes.
NBI Cybercrime Division chief Jeremy Lotoc revealed that the individuals might have initially held working visas, which are now being downgraded to tourist visas. The deadline for Foreign POGO workers to downgrade their visas was October 15, and those failing to comply may face blacklisting by the Department of Justice.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities examining potential trafficking offenses and other illicit activities. The suspects are currently being held under NBI custody while further details are being gathered from various agencies.