DAVAO CITY –— Operatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 342 illegal foreign nationals in a massive raid of an online gaming company on Friday evening, December 20.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said, the arrested were caught working without proper permits and visas at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Floors of the Global Trade Center Building in Bago Bantay, Quezon City.
The 342, all Chinese nationals, were reportedly working for a licensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator, who did not have the required permit to operate issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Fortunato Manahan, Jr., BI Intelligence Division Chief in a statement said “We sought the assistance of PAGCOR in confirming their permit, and we found out that the company was duly licensed, but was not yet allowed to operate.”
Manahan said the BOC started to suspect the operations of the company as it kept changing its names, “We had reason to suspect that the company is a front for illegal cyber activities and investment scams.”
The operation according to Manahan, was coordinated with the Chinese government, “Which confirmed the company’s involvement in illegal activities, victimizing mostly their compatriots in China.”
Found at the site were thousands of mobile phones that the BI suspects were being used for online and phone scamming.
The Chinese government has reportedly cancelled the passports of those involved, making them undocumented aliens and tagging them as fugitives.
With this development, Morente warned foreign nationals from using the country as their base for illegal activities “We will not stop until we clear our country of illegal aliens who abuse our hospitality. Follow our laws lest face the consequences,” he warned.
The 342 are currently detained in a temporary holding facility in Camp Caringal, Quezon City pending their deportation.
