Joint Operations Lead to Arrest of Chinese and Filipinos for Illegal Online Games and Scams
The crackdown on illegal gaming operations and online scams in the Philippines has intensified with the recent arrests of 10 Chinese nationals and 26 Filipinos in separate operations in Laguna and Parañaque City. Authorities are taking swift action to curb illicit activities that target vulnerable individuals, especially the youth.
Raids in Laguna and Parañaque City
In the first operation in Biñan, Laguna, 16 individuals were apprehended for running an illegal online raffle on Facebook. The raid, conducted by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and PAGCOR security team, exposed the operation of the FB Page Lucky Dream 4, where suspects were caught livestreaming their 50th raffle event.
In a subsequent raid in Parañaque City, 10 Chinese nationals and local suspects were arrested for various violations, including the Anti Trafficking in Persons Act and Cybercrime Prevention Act. The joint effort by CIDG-NCR and PAGCOR resulted in the dismantling of an illegal online gaming operation within the Multinational Village.
Crackdown on Illegal Online Activities
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating illegal online gambling and protecting the public from fraudulent schemes. With reports of illicit activities on social media platforms, PAGCOR is working closely with law enforcement agencies to enforce regulations and ensure a safe gaming environment.
Impact of Illegal Online Gaming
The Lucky Dream 4 group, boasting a significant following on Facebook, was found to be conducting unlicensed online raffles with lucrative prizes. PAGCOR Senior Vice President for Security Cluster Raul Villanueva stated that the group had accumulated millions from ticket sales, targeting a youthful demographic. The need for proper licensing and regulation in online gaming operations was underscored.
During the Parañaque raid, numerous electronic devices, credit cards, and Chinese government documents were seized from the Chinese suspects involved in fraudulent activities. Authorities also rescued Filipino workers and arrested individuals linked to previous illegal gaming compounds.
The crackdown on illegal online games and scams highlights the ongoing efforts to eradicate illicit activities and safeguard the integrity of the gaming industry in the Philippines.