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In a major operation, Philippine authorities raided a facility in the capital, Manila, on Thursday, arresting dozens of Filipino and foreign workers accused of operating a fraudulent investment scheme. The centre was allegedly disguising itself as a licensed online gaming company, despite President Ferdinand Marcos recently banning such operations due to their connections to scams, kidnapping, human trafficking, and murder.
During the pre-dawn raid on an office tower in the city, police apprehended 67 foreigners, including 58 Chinese nationals, as well as individuals from Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Additionally, 32 Filipinos were also detained.
The facility’s owner and manager, both Chinese nationals, were among those arrested. According to a police statement, the centre was involved in a “crypto-currency investment scam” and a “love scam,” where employees posed as wealthy models to entice victims into investing in a “manipulated” trading platform.
The arrested Filipino workers claimed they were coerced into participating in the scam, though the consequences of refusing to do so were not detailed in the police report. Some employees were allegedly forced to work as models, dressing provocatively and engaging in suggestive behavior to lure potential victims.
This crackdown follows President Marcos’ decision to ban online gambling operators after widespread public concern over alleged criminal activities linked to these businesses. The move was further fueled by accusations that Alice Leal Guo, the mayor of Bamban municipality, was involved in a large scam centre north of Manila. Guo, who is reportedly a Chinese citizen who fraudulently obtained Filipino citizenship, fled the country last month, prompting President Marcos to vow that those who aided her escape would face consequences.
Authorities suspect that there may be several hundred illegal online gambling entities operating in the country, along with over 40 licensed operators who might be running scam centers under the guise of legitimate businesses.
