On February 20, authorities arrested 450 individuals in Manila in connection with a major scam operation. Among those apprehended were 137 Chinese nationals, with five identified as the ringleaders of the illicit hub. The Philippine Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) led the investigation, uncovering a network suspected of targeting victims in China and India through fraudulent sports betting and investment schemes.
The PAOCC's crackdown aims to address the growing threat posed by these scam hubs, which have been linked to banned offshore gaming operators. Chester Cabalza, president of the International Development and Security Cooperation think tank, emphasized that these operations could "become a cottage industry in [Metro Manila] if not totally eradicated." He warned that without decisive action, these small-scale scam houses might proliferate across the region.
Located in Manila, the busted scam hub was believed to function as a centre for orchestrating deceitful activities. The authorities' goal is to make the country "Pogo hub-free," thereby curbing the social ills associated with such operations. The PAOCC's recent actions underscore their commitment to dismantling the networks that fuel these illegal enterprises.
Despite the successful arrests, analysts caution that more needs to be done. If law enforcement agencies do not fully dismantle these networks, scam hubs could potentially become a permanent fixture in the Philippines. Cabalza's warnings highlight the urgency of addressing this issue before it escalates into a widespread problem.
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