THIRTEEN Chinese nationals, all fugitives from their home country, were arrested in a recent raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) scam hub in Pasay City.
The Chinese Embassy confirmed that the individuals were involved in criminal activities in China after the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) submitted their names.
“The Chinese Embassy conducted biometric checks and released their true identities, revealing their criminal activities,” said PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz.
The arrested individuals are wanted for cryptocurrency and investment scams and were using illegal messaging apps to conduct their illicit transactions.
The PAOCC expressed concern that these individuals were able to enter the country despite the ban on POGOs.
“Especially those with red notice or blue notice or wanted by Interpol, they should automatically trigger a red alert upon entry. Since they lacked proper documentation upon arrival, they likely used back doors or other means to enter our country,” Cruz said.
The PAOCC is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration for a backtrack investigation.
The PAOCC discovered that some foreign workers who escaped POGO raids in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga, have shifted to small-scale POGO operations in Pasay.
The PAOCC has prioritized the deportation of these individuals.
metrosundaily
