Recently, the Philippine police launched a raid on an offshore gambling operator (POGO) suspected of engaging in fraudulent activities, arresting over 450 individuals involved. According to the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the organization is located in the suburbs of Manila, mainly targeting victims in China and India, using sports betting and investment scams to commit fraud.
During the raid, the police detained 137 Chinese nationals and arrested about 5 key leaders. Gilberto Cruz, head of PAOCC, stated that these suspects might face human trafficking charges. He added, "This operation shows that despite the Philippine government's ban on POGO, some criminals still attempt to continue their fraudulent activities."
Since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a complete ban on POGO in 2023, the Philippine government has intensified its crackdown. However, Cruz noted that there are still about 21,000 Chinese nationals in the Philippines involved in small-scale fraud activities, including money laundering, cyber fraud, kidnapping, and even murder.
In recent years, the international community has expressed concern over the growing scam crimes in Southeast Asia. These scam groups often use victims who are deceived or forced to participate in fake cryptocurrency investments and other illegal transactions.
Additionally, PAOCC is intensifying investigations into some officials in Pasay City and Lapu-Lapu City, suspecting their possible involvement with illegal POGO activities.
It is noteworthy that President Marcos has made combating POGO a key focus of his campaign for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, criticizing the laissez-faire attitude of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his administration and hinting at an overly close China policy.
This raid is one of several crackdowns carried out by the Philippine police this year. In January, the police raided another illegal institution in Manila, arresting about 400 foreigners, including a large number of Chinese nationals.
According to a report released by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in May 2024, global cyber fraud causes up to $64 billion in economic losses annually, highlighting the severity of the issue.
