Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) raided a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Makati City, resulting in the arrest of 86 foreign nationals.

On April 10, operatives from the CIDG–National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) Regional Field Unit, in coordination with the BI-Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) and the Makati City Police Station, implemented a BI Mission Order at 100 West Condominium on Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, targeting a Chinese national suspected of involvement in human trafficking.

The operation led to the arrest of 82 Chinese nationals, three Vietnamese, and one Malaysian who were caught in the act of engaging in online scamming activities and operating an illegal POGO facility.

Among those arrested was a Chinese national identified as Tran, who was reportedly working as administrative staff for Sales Street Online-Gaming Supported Provider, an alleged POGO hub.

Authorities discovered that the company operated a deceptive e-commerce-like scheme, targeting consumers and businesses to obtain personal or financial information and facilitate fraudulent transactions.

CIDG Director PMGen. Nicolas Torre III stated that the operation was launched following a complaint and request for police assistance from a Filipina, who reported receiving a distress message from her Chinese friend allegedly seeking help from the Philippine government.

The Chinese national claimed he was being illegally detained, held against his will, and barred from leaving the premises of his workplace.

The foreign nationals are currently in the custody of the BI-FSU for documentation and further investigation, with possible additional charges under the Philippine Immigration Act.