On the evening of October 29, the Philippine National Police's Anti-Cybercrime Group raided a center in Malate, Manila, suspected of engaging in online romance and cryptocurrency fraud, arresting 69 foreign suspects, predominantly Indonesians and Chinese citizens.
This operation was initiated by a report from a victim's partner, with the police confirming through intelligence that the location was involved in transnational fraud activities.
Spokesperson Wallen Mae Arancillo revealed that the center had long been conducting scams targeting foreigners with romance and cryptocurrency investments, quickly blocking the victims after obtaining their funds.
The investigation also showed that the center's operational license was revoked on November 8 last year, but it continued to operate illegally for nearly a year, during which it was repeatedly targeted in police raids.
Arancillo added that a large amount of electronic equipment was seized during this operation, and among the 69 arrested were 34 Indonesians, 25 Chinese, and 10 Malaysians.
Meanwhile, on October 30, the Capital District Police Station conducted another raid in Yingmeida, Manila, successfully rescuing five suspected Chinese victims of human trafficking and arresting a 23-year-old Chinese suspect, Qiu Tian (transliterated).
Capital District Police Chief Sidney Hernia stated that the victims' partner sought police help, reporting that they were forcibly detained, physically abused, and even forced to participate in fraudulent activities.
Hernia noted that after the rescue, the victims displayed extreme distress and bore clear signs of abuse. The police will continue to investigate this case thoroughly to trace the criminal network and possible accomplices behind it.
