3 Chinese nationals arrested at small scam hub in Pampanga

Three Chinese citizens were arrested during a raid at an alleged scam hub in an exclusive subdivision in Angeles City, Pampanga on Monday evening. 

According to John Consulta’s exclusive report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the operation was jointly conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Organized and Transnational Crimes Division and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU). 

Authorities found the three Chinese suspects at their work stations inside an apartment.

The suspects were allegedly involved in scamming activities targeting various nationalities, including Filipinos. 

“This is a small-scale operation; in terms of shabu labs, these are ‘kitchen-type’ setups, which is why we only caught three people. But to be clear, this is part of our ongoing efforts to run after small breakaway groups from POGOs,” said NBI director Melvin Matibag.

The NBI and BI-FSU said the arrested foreigners were allegedly former members of large-scale POGO hubs, who established their own breakaway groups.

Authorities said the group allegedly employed specific schemes to blend in and ensure that their illegal operations would be undetected.

“They already have Filipina partners with them, and when we entered, their workstations were immediately visible,” said BI-FSU chief Rendel Sy. 

“Their operations are fragmented; one group is involved in money laundering, while another is responsible for calling their clients. When you piece it all together, they are still running a large-scale operation here,” he added. 

The suspects’ computers, cellphones, and other gadgets used for online scams were confiscated following the raid.

If no local cases are filed against them, the arrested individuals will be deported back to China immediately. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA News