10 Chinese nabbed in small-scale scam hub in Bataan

Ten Chinese nationals were arrested in Bataan for allegedly operating a small-scale scam hub in residential houses, according to a report by John Consulta on "24 Oras."

Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided at least three houses suspected of being used in online scamming activities. Inside, they found computers, electronic gadgets, and a satellite internet system believed to have been used to avoid detection by bypassing local internet providers.

During the operation, the first Chinese national encountered by authorities had his phone confiscated on the spot. Several others were found hiding inside cabinets and closets as agents swept through the premises.

According to NBI Intelligence Division Assistant Director Noel Bocaling, the suspects were former members of a larger Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) group.

After the government dismantled a major POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga — the same one linked to controversial figure Alice Guo — some individuals fled and established smaller independent groups to continue their operations.

“Yung kaso ni Alice Guo at sa Porac na na-dismantle ng PAOCC, nung dinismantle nila yan, marami ang nakatakas. Nung tumakas, di na sila nag-amo, sila-sila ang nagcreate ng grupo-grupo nila. Yung mga cellphones na gamit nila doon nakatakip ang mga camera para di makita ng mga kausap nila,” Bocaling said. 

(When the PAOCC dismantled that site in Bamban in Alice Guo’s case and in Porac, many escaped. After fleeing, they stopped working under a single boss and instead formed their own smaller networks. They even covered their phone cameras so their contacts wouldn’t see them.)

Authorities were tipped off after it was discovered that one of the houses rented by the group was owned by the child of a former NBI agent. A Chinese informant — who strongly opposes illegal cyber activities — also helped in gathering intelligence.

“Nagkamali sila dahil yung mayari ng inuupahan nila yung anak dating NBI agent. Ang asset natin diyan Chinese din na ayaw na ayaw na ganyan,” he added. 

(They made a mistake in choosing that house. Our asset in the area is also Chinese and refuses to tolerate scams like these.)

The 10 arrested individuals face charges under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and are currently under NBI custody. The investigation is ongoing to trace other possible scam hubs operating in the area. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News