In a major crackdown, 167 Chinese nationals were deported back to China following their arrest at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Bamban, Tarlac, last March. The arrests were part of a raid conducted by authorities on Zun Yuan Technology Inc., where the individuals were allegedly involved in illegal online activities.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) gathered the detainees overnight in Pasay, where it was discovered that they posed as customer service representatives. However, investigations revealed their involvement in investment scams, love scams, and cryptocurrency scams, according to PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio.
“These scams were masquerading under the guise of legal POGO operations. Therefore, all individuals being deported are identified as scammers,” Casio stated.
The deportation process started early at around 4 a.m., with the arrested individuals lining up with their luggage. They were sent back to Shanghai, China, where they are expected to face charges filed by the Shanghai Police Station for cybercrime and internet fraud. The complaints originated in Shanghai, making it the appropriate jurisdiction for legal proceedings.
The deportees arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 past 6 a.m. to be transported back to China.
