Alleged POGO & Crypto Scam Hub Busted in Parañaque | Key Points | Aug. 30, 2024

Philippine police raided a suspected cryptocurrency scam hub in Parañaque City early Thursday, arresting over 400 workers involved in fraudulent online activities.

Philippine police raided a suspected cryptocurrency scam hub in Parañaque City early Thursday, arresting over 400 workers involved in fraudulent online activities.

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) conducted the operation at a building in Barangay Don Bosco following a two-month surveillance, according to a report by GMA News Online.

Authorities said the hub was engaged in “crypto-related scams, online investment scams, and other fraudulent activities.”

The workers, who were mostly Chinese nationals, were allegedly found operating computers and laptops that contained evidence of the scams, the report added.

The suspects now face charges for violating Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is set to file a case against an official of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) over the alleged operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in residential areas, GMA News reported separately.

Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said the official will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1096, which prohibits the operation of gambling dens.

She added that the official will also face charges for violation of Republic Act 11211, or the East ASEAN Growth Area Law, which mandates PEZA to coordinate with local government units in the establishment of economic zones.

The official’s name was not disclosed in the report.

Earlier this year, the Philippine government ordered the closure of all remaining POGOs in the country following reports of kidnapping, illegal gambling, and other criminal activities linked to the offshore gaming industry.