In a recent operation in Bonifacio Global City in Manila, Filipino authorities apprehended 112 individuals, including 95 Filipinos and 17 foreign nationals, at an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub.
The raid was conducted by the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-NCR), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), and the Southern Police District while searching for a Chinese national wanted for fraud.
According to The Phil Star, Lt. Col. Jerry Amindalan from CIDG-NCR stated the suspect had been under surveillance for nearly a week and was ultimately captured.
Upon entering the office, police discovered rows of computers linked to alleged illegal gambling sites, along with mobile phones assigned to each workstation. The operation was disguised as an IT solutions company but was reportedly involved in online scams.
The facility was not registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and authorities suspect the Chinese national may have acted as an interpreter for the operation.
The CIDG is currently verifying the work permits of the foreign nationals. Those arrested have denied any involvement in illegal gambling, claiming the office was not a POGO hub.
