The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines recently conducted a raid in Manila on an illegal online gambling company, arresting 12 Chinese citizens suspected of engaging in telecommunications fraud.
The suspects allegedly used fake photos and videos of beautiful women to deceive victims (usually Chinese), asking for money or inviting them to invest during conversations. Once the victims transferred the money, the fraudsters would cease all contact with them.
The operation stemmed from a complaint by a Chinese citizen who had escaped from the company, claiming that he was forced to work for the group and was illegally detained and abused. The complainant reported being beaten, threatened with a gun, and subjected to electric shocks, and was also forced to demand 500,000 Philippine pesos from his family in exchange for his freedom.
The National Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case and will bring charges against the fraudsters for violating the cybercrime prevention law. The Bureau of Immigration is also examining the fraudsters' identities to check if their stay has exceeded the legal limits.
