Philippines arrests over 200 'mostly Chinese' workers in online scam crackdown

Manila authorities have made over 200 arrests in their largest crackdown on illegal online gaming operators this year, according to the immigration bureau. The majority of those detained were Chinese nationals, with an additional two Cambodians and a Hong Kong resident among the detained individuals. The bust occurred at two separate locations in Mindanao, with 110 Chinese nationals apprehended at one site and 131 foreigners, mostly from China, at the other.

The arrestees were accused of involvement in illegal online gaming operations, which authorities claim are fronts for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings, and murder. The military and other law enforcement agencies conducted the raids, leading to the seizure of significant quantities of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards.

Immigration chief Joel Viado emphasized that the government will enforce immigration laws against those who violate the conditions of their stay and will deport those found guilty of illegal activities. The raids were described as the largest POGO bust of 2026.