Authorities raided an illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) hub in Parañaque City’s Bay Area on Thursday, arresting 453 individuals, including 146 foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals.
Massive Crackdown on Illegal Gaming and Scamming Operations
A joint task force led by the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime (DOJ OOC), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) conducted the operation.
Authorities were enforcing an arrest warrant against a Chinese national for fraud, along with an Immigration Mission Order targeting a suspected POGO employee under surveillance for months.
“They’ve been operating for two years non-stop. They originally started in ASEANA but moved here when the situation got too risky,” said PAOCC Spokesperson Director Winston Casio.
Scamming Operations Uncovered
Inside the three-floor office building, authorities discovered different scam operations:
- 5th & 7th floors – Stock investment scams, with the 7th floor also involved in spamming using Hong Kong mobile numbers.
- 6th floor – Online betting scam, primarily targeting Indian nationals, with Filipino employees running the scheme.
Investigators also found pre-written scam scripts, along with hundreds of computers, smartphones, laptops, and pre-registered SIM cards. These will undergo digital forensic examination.
Illegal POGO Hub Previously Shut Down, Reopened Under New Name
Records show that local officials had previously shut down the POGO hub, but it resumed operations under a new name with a valid Mayor’s permit, business license, and barangay permit.
“Before issuing permits, barangays and city halls must conduct thorough inspections to ensure companies are operating legally,” said PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.
Detention and Investigation Ongoing
- Foreign nationals will be detained at the PAOCC Detention Facility in Pasay while the BI verifies their immigration status.
- Filipino employees will be questioned and investigated for their involvement.
Authorities are now investigating possible negligence by local officials in allowing the POGO to operate again despite previous closures.