Philippines arrests 244 ‘mostly Chinese’ workers in online scam crackdown
The government is investigating possible human trafficking-related offences by a number of those arrested, while the rest will be deported.
Manila, Philippines - Philippine authorities have arrested more than 244 foreign workers in the country's largest crackdown on illegal online gaming operators this year, according to the immigration bureau. The arrests, which occurred on Friday in the southern region of Mindanao, primarily targeted Chinese nationals, though citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar were also apprehended.
The military and other law enforcement agencies conducted the raids at two addresses, seizing large quantities of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards. The government is investigating potential human trafficking-related offenses among those arrested, while the rest will be deported. Immigration chief Joel Viado stated that the raids marked the largest POGO bust of 2026 and emphasized that the Philippines will not be used as a base for illegal activities. The Chinese embassy in Manila has not yet commented on the matter.
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- Philippines arrests 244 ‘mostly Chinese’ workers in online scam crackdown freemalaysiatoday.com
