Philippines arrests 244 foreign workers in online scam crackdown
Philippines authorities have arrested more than 200 foreign workers in the country's largest crackdown on illegal online gaming operators this year, the immigration bureau said.
The Philippines has carried out its largest crackdown on illegal online gaming operators in 2026, arresting over 244 foreign workers in connection with a crackdown on online scams. The Immigration Bureau announced the arrests, which took place in Mindanao, as part of a broader effort to combat human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings, and murder linked to organized crime groups.
Authorities seized large quantities of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards during the raids, which targeted Chinese nationals, along with citizens from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. The government is investigating potential human trafficking offenses among those arrested, with the remainder set to be deported.
Immigration Chief Joel Viado emphasized the government's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and preventing the Philippines from being exploited as a hub for illegal activities.
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- Philippines arrests 244 foreign workers in online scam crackdown channelnewsasia.com
- Philippines arrests 244 ‘mostly Chinese’ workers in online scam crackdown freemalaysiatoday.com
