APPROXIMATELY one hundred Chinese nationals employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were deported back to China on Tuesday morning.
The deportation, which took place around 10:40 a.m., was facilitated with China covering the airfare costs. This measure, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), was implemented to minimize the risk of escape and ensure the individuals’ return for further investigation in China.
The PAOCC emphasized the significance of securing the deportees’ return, highlighting the potential for valuable intelligence gathering related to POGO operations, including details on their methods, locations, and money laundering schemes.
The PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz underscored the importance of the deportation in accessing crucial information about POGO operations.
The Chinese government’s commitment to covering the airfare suggests a strong interest in obtaining information from these individuals regarding the inner workings of POGO operations, potentially including details on money laundering and other illicit activities.
This collaborative effort between the Philippines and China underscores the transnational nature of the crimes associated with some POGO operations and the need for international cooperation in combating these activities. The deportation serves as a significant step in addressing concerns about illegal activities linked to POGOs within the Philippines.
