Renan Oliva, the NBI Director for Central Visayas, revealed this information during a press conference on Monday (September 16).
Oliva stated, "We will apply for court permission to unlock the computer data and open the vault." He emphasized that the items seized during the operation are crucial for building a money laundering case against suspects alleged to be operating gambling in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City.
In addition to money laundering and human trafficking charges, the NBI also plans to pursue the confiscation of assets from the gambling center. NBI Director Jaime Santiago is highly concerned about this case and has instructed a thorough investigation.
According to regional prosecutor Graeme June Elmido, following the raid on August 31, a total of 17 Chinese nationals and one Filipino are facing human trafficking charges and are currently under investigation. Elmido also mentioned that the money laundering case is being built, and further examination of the data in the vault and computers is crucial for advancing the case.
Elmido has established a special team responsible for pursuing the case. All suspects are currently detained by the Public Attorney's Office in Manila, and they also face administrative charges due to lack of immigration documents.
