Philippines arrests 244 foreign workers in online scam crackdown

The Philippines has conducted its largest crackdown on illegal online gaming operators this year, arresting over 244 foreign workers in a joint operation with military and other law enforcement agencies. The raids took place in the southern region of Mindanao, targeting two addresses where 110 Chinese nationals, two Cambodians, and a Hong Kong resident were apprehended.

Another 131 foreigners, mostly Chinese, were arrested at the second site, along with citizens from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Authorities seized large quantities of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards. The government is investigating possible human trafficking-related offenses by those arrested, while the rest will be deported.

This operation is described as the largest POGO bust of 2026, with the immigration chief stating that the Philippines will continue to enforce its immigration laws against foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay.

Brief written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.