After 11 PM on Friday night, an apartment building located in Tejeros, Makati City, believed to be a "scam center," was raided by the National Bureau of Investigation's Cybercrime Division.
The "scam center" had 17 foreign employees arrested during the operation. Among them, 15 were Chinese nationals, one was Taiwanese, and one was Malaysian.
According to preliminary information from the NBI, the arrested individuals' modus operandi reportedly focused mainly on investment scams and cryptocurrency fraud.
During the operation, the police seized computers, mobile phones, SIM cards, and scripts allegedly used by the suspects in committing the crimes.
The NBI stated that the employees suspected of fraud also lived in the apartment that was raided.
A 28-year-old Filipino, working as a kitchen helper in the apartment, stated that he was unaware that the residents' practices were illegal.
"We are the ones who deliver food to each room. We are not allowed to interfere, but we see computers in the rooms," he said.
"I'm just very frustrated because we haven't received our salaries yet, and then this happens. I only know the kitchen, cooking, just like that. Just like that. It's illegal... I wish I had entered wisely," he added.
The NBI is still investigating where the arrested individuals' clients are from.
The government is shutting down Philippine offshore gaming operators, which are believed to be linked to some scam activities as well as human trafficking and torture.
