Philippines arrests nearly 600 people in anti-human trafficking raid

SGGPO October 28, 2023 7:29 PM

Philippine authorities announced on October 28 that police had arrested nearly 600 people in a raid on a suspected prostitution and online fraud ring in Manila.

Philippine special forces police participate in counter-terrorism drills in Manila. Photo: VNA.

In a statement, the Philippine Presidential Commission on Organized Crime (PAOCC) said that citizens of several Asian countries were among those found inside the complex during an operation on the night of October 27. Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla told reporters that authorities are questioning 598 detainees to determine who are victims or suspects.

The Chinese embassy was asked to assist in identifying nine people suspected of running the business, which was licensed as an online gaming company. Minister Remulla said: “It was a large-scale operation… that profited greatly from human trafficking.”

In late June, Philippine police conducted a major raid, rescuing more than 2,700 workers from 18 countries, many of whom were believed to be victims of human trafficking. The victims were rescued from seven buildings in Las Pinas City, within the Manila metropolitan area. This was the largest raid so far this year, raising concerns that the Philippines has become a major operating base for cybercrime organizations.

Internet fraud has become a major problem in Asia, with reports of people both within and outside the region being lured with promises of high-paying jobs in other countries. However, many of these individuals are abused, mistreated, and coerced into participating in online scams and fraudulent online games.

Last May, Philippine police also raided another cybercrime facility in the northern Manila city of Mabalacat, rescuing nearly 1,400 workers who were forced to carry out cryptocurrency scams.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/philippines-bat-giu-gan-600-nguoi-trong-cuoc-dot-kich-chong-buon-nguoi-post711808.html