Philippines arrests over 400 "fraudsters," mostly Chinese, Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds: unaware

On January 9th, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jia Kun hosted a routine press conference.

A journalist from Agence France-Presse asked about the Philippines' statement that yesterday, around 400 foreigners were arrested at a farm suspected of online fraud in Manila, many of whom were Chinese. What is the Ministry's comment on this?

"I am not aware of the situation you just mentioned," emphasized Guo Jia Kun, "China's stance on combating related cyber fraud crimes is consistent and clear."

The Philippines' Bureau of Immigration stated that on the 8th, during a "large-scale" raid on a suspected online fraud den in Manila, about 400 foreign nationals were arrested.

Authorities raided a building and found that the staff inside were suspected of engaging in online fraud activities targeting overseas victims.

Fortunato Manahan Jr., head of the intelligence division of the immigration bureau, described in a statement about this latest raid: "Their operational activities were identified as violations of immigration laws and pose a significant risk to the public."

Last July, Philippine President Marcos announced that by the end of 2024, Philippine online gambling operators would be banned. Manila authorities claim that organized crime groups use these operators as a front to engage in human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnapping, and even murder.