The Fugitive Search Unit of the Philippines Immigration Bureau (BI-FSU) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) recently conducted a joint raid in Makati City. Originally intended to rescue a Chinese man suspected of being abused, the operation unexpectedly dismantled a transnational crime syndicate disguised as an office building specializing in "romance scams." During the raid, several Chinese and foreign nationals were arrested, including a Chinese woman suspected of leading the scam group, who was arrested on the spot in the office.
Raid Trigger: Victim Reports Abuse by Woman with POGO Background
The operation was triggered by a Chinese man who called the police for help, accusing a person suspected to be a manager of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) of beating him and showing multiple bruises on his body to the police. He choked up during an interview, saying, "It really hurts... they were still hitting me before you arrived."
Based on clues, the police targeted a multi-story building in Makati City and launched the raid recently.
Chaotic Scene on the 10th Floor: Suspects Flee, Police Injured
On the day of the raid, law enforcement officers found a large number of foreigners panicking and trying to escape through the fire escape on the 10th floor of the building, causing chaos at the scene. Media footage showed people running in the corridors and law enforcement officers chasing after them, with some officers getting injured during the operation.
Law enforcement officers later intercepted several suspects trying to flee by car in the parking lot on the 5th floor. Continuing the search to the 8th floor, the police discovered a room that appeared to be an abandoned office but was actually the operational center of the scam group.
Exposure of the Scam Group's "Backstage": Female Boss Arrested, Computers Still Operating
In this hidden office, law enforcement officers arrested several people hiding there, including a Chinese woman who was identified as the mastermind of the scam group. Several computers were found still operating at the scene, with screens displaying content suspected to be online dating scams, including creating fake identities to induce victims to transfer money.
The police stated that the site is suspected to be a transnational crime hub disguised under the name of POGO but actually engaging in "romance scams," possibly involving illegal detention, human trafficking, and financial fraud.
Diverse Backgrounds of Suspects: Malaysian Claims "Misled"
In addition to several Chinese suspects, the police also arrested a Malaysian man who claimed he had joined the group only three days ago and was unaware of the illegal nature of the work, earning 60,000 pesos in a short time.
Rendel Sy, head of the BI-FSU, pointed out that they are currently verifying the identities of all those arrested and confirming whether they are involved in other criminal cases. He stated, "If it is confirmed that there are no pending cases, the deportation process will be initiated immediately."
Police to Expand Investigation, Trace Transnational Network
This raid not only successfully rescued an abused Chinese citizen but also unexpectedly revealed a complex scam network hidden in the city. Law enforcement officers indicated that the case might involve a transnational crime group, and they will expand the investigation scope to trace financial flows, communication records, and potential victims.
The Immigration Bureau also stated that it will strengthen cooperation with international law enforcement agencies such as Interpol and China to prevent the continuous infiltration of illegal transnational criminal forces.
