Philippines arrests 400 foreigners in fraud center

(CLO) On Wednesday (January 8), Philippine authorities arrested about 400 foreigners in a large-scale raid on a facility suspected of being an online fraud center in the capital Manila, according to information from the Philippine National Immigration Bureau.

During the raid, authorities discovered employees allegedly involved in online fraud activities targeting victims overseas.

Illustration: AdamCohn

Scam centers in Asia have become an increasing international concern in recent years. Many employ victims of human trafficking, tricked or coerced into activities such as fake cryptocurrency investment offers and other scams.

“Their activities violate immigration laws and pose serious risks to the public,” said Fortunato Manahan, director of the Bureau of Immigration Intelligence.

Last July, President Ferdinand Marcos announced a ban on Philippine online gaming operators (POGOs) by the end of 2024. Manila says the establishments are often used by organized crime gangs to commit human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnapping and even murder.

The Immigration Bureau said the company that was raided had been under long-term surveillance for POGO-like activities.

Most of those arrested were Chinese nationals and were being held pending deportation, said Dana Sandoval, a spokeswoman for the Immigration Department.

According to a May 2024 report by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), online fraud groups around the world have targeted millions of victims, generating annual revenue of up to $64 billion.

The report estimates the industry employs about 500,000 people, including 15,000 in the Philippines. Many are recruited through social media and then forced to commit fraud, facing harsh penalties if they fail to meet targets.

Cao Phong (according to AFP, StraitsTimes)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/philippines-bat-400-nguoi-nuoc-ngoai-trong-cuoc-dot-kich-trung-tam-lua-dao-truc-tuyen-post329644.html