Philippines raids human trafficking den, arrests nearly 600 people

In a statement, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said Chinese, South Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino nationals were among those found inside the compound during the operation on Friday night.

Online crime is a growing problem in many countries in Southeast Asia. Illustration photo: AFP

Philippine Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla told reporters that authorities were questioning 598 detainees to determine who were victims or suspects.

The Chinese embassy in the Philippines has been asked to help identify nine people suspected of running the business, which is licensed to operate as an online gaming company. “It was a large-scale operation… to make money from human trafficking,” Remulla said.

There is growing international concern about internet scams in the Asia- Pacific region, often involving human trafficking victims being tricked or coerced into promoting bogus cryptocurrency investments.

Minister Remulla said authorities are seeking a warrant to access computers found inside the property that they suspect are being used for cryptocurrency and sex scams.

During the raid, two Chinese nationals said they were held against their will and had obvious "traces of torture" on their bodies, the PAOCC said.

One of the victims said he was kidnapped and sold for 500,000 pesos ($8,800). The other said he was held captive for a year and forced to work up to 15 hours a day.

Sex toys, massage rooms, karaoke rooms and restaurants are found inside the property.

In June, more than 2,700 people were arrested in a raid on several buildings in Manila where human trafficking victims were allegedly paid to recruit players for online games.

Hoang Anh (according to AFP, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/philippines-dot-kich-hang-o-buon-ban-tinh-duc-va-lua-dao-qua-mang-bat-gan-600-nguoi-post270332.html