NBI turns over 57 foreign nationals suspected of illegal POGO operations to Immigration

DAVAO CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has handed over 57 foreign nationals, suspected of operating an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) business, to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

“The 57 foreign nationals, who are facing charges in court, have been turned over to Immigration,” said NBI Region XI Director Archie Albao in an interview with Newsline on Wednesday, December 24.

However, Albao clarified that, for now, the custody of the foreign nationals remains under the NBI XI custodial facility due to ongoing renovations at the BI office.

The foreign nationals face charges of large-scale estafa and illegal gambling, with cases currently filed in the courts in Davao City.

According to Albao, both cases fall under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, as the alleged activities involved fraudulent online operations targeting unsuspecting individuals.

In addition, the court ordered the release of a Filipina who was reportedly the girlfriend of one of the Chinese nationals involved in the operation. The Filipina was inside the facility during the raid but was not found directly linked to the alleged POGO operations.

This recent handover is part of the larger government campaign against illegal POGO operations.

Earlier this month, on December 6, 2024, the NBI conducted a major raid in Purok 6, New Malitbog, Barangay Manay, Panabo City, Davao del Norte. The raid targeted another alleged unlicensed POGO hub.

Authorities apprehended 59 individuals during the operation, including 55 Chinese nationals, three Malaysians, and one Filipino.

The raid was initiated following a report from Ruby Lim, a Malaysian national, who claimed she was being held captive at the facility.

Although Lim was not found during the operation, the NBI discovered the unregistered POGO hub, which had been operating for approximately three months.

Computers, mobile phones, firearms, and other equipment related to online gaming were seized. This operation reflects intensified efforts to address the broader issues surrounding illegal offshore gaming activities in the country.

The suspects, primarily Chinese nationals, have enlisted a team of high-profile lawyers to defend their cases.

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Meanwhile, the NBI has summoned the barangay captain of the area and the Filipino owner of the building where the alleged POGO operations were conducted.

According to Albao, the property owner had signed a contract directly with a Chinese national, allowing the space to be used as a base for illegal operations.

The NBI is investigating the extent of local involvement in facilitating the activities of foreign nationals. This includes whether proper permits were secured and whether local officials may have overlooked or enabled the operations.

The Philippine government has ramped up its crackdown on illegal POGO operations amid mounting concerns over their links to money laundering, tax evasion, and organized crime.

 In November 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74, which immediately banned offshore and internet gaming in the country.