1-9-2024 (CEBU) In a sweeping operation that has sent shockwaves through the underground gambling world, Philippine authorities have apprehended over 150 foreign nationals during a raid on an illicit online gaming operation. The bust, which took place on Saturday at a resort on the central island of Cebu, has exposed the persistent challenge of combating illegal gambling activities in the archipelago.
Immigration officials, in a statement released following the raid, described a scene of makeshift workstations teeming with individuals engaged in unlawful activities. The operation, which was conducted at the behest of the Indonesian embassy, uncovered what Winston Casio, spokesman for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, termed “at least three scam farms”.
The multinational nature of the operation was evident in the diverse origins of those arrested. According to local newspaper Cebu Daily News, the 162 foreign nationals detained included 83 Chinese citizens, 70 Indonesians, six Myanmar nationals, one Malaysian, and two individuals from Taiwan. This international mix underscores the global reach of these illicit gaming networks.
Casio, speaking at a briefing streamed on the Facebook page of The Freeman, a Cebu-based news outlet, outlined the gravity of the offences, stating, “We’ve seen enough evidence to be able to file a cybercrime offence, for facilitating cybercrime-related gambling, cybercrime-related qualified trafficking.” These charges reflect the serious nature of the operation and its potential links to broader criminal networks.
The raid comes in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s July announcement banning Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) that cater to foreign gamblers. This decision was made amidst growing concerns about the industry’s alleged connections to crimes such as money laundering.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco used the opportunity to issue a stern warning to potential offenders. “This will serve as a warning to those who might attempt to start illegal online gambling operations, which has already been banned by the President,” he declared. The commissioner’s words underscore the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban and cracking down on illicit gambling activities.
The detained foreign nationals are set to be held in temporary custody pending deportation proceedings. This move not only serves to remove the immediate threat posed by these individuals but also sends a clear message about the consequences of engaging in illegal gambling operations on Philippine soil.
