A joint operation by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) on Thursday night led to the arrest of 342 illegal foreign nationals working at an online gambling company in Quezon City.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the foreign nationals were caught working without proper permits and visas in offices of Times Square Premier Management Group Ltd. at the second, third and fourth floors of Global Trade Center Building in Bago Bantay, Quezon City.
All 342 foreigners are Chinese nationals, and they were reportedly working for a licensed Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO), which did not have the required permit to operate issued by PAGCOR.
All 342 illegal Chinese are currently detained in a temporary holding facility in Camp Karingal, Quezon City pending their deportation.
BI Intel Division chief Fortunato Manahan said they sought the assistance of PAGCOR in confirming the company’s permit. They found that while the company was duly licensed, it was not yet allowed to operate.
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He likewise shared that the company used several names, which raised suspicions that it may be a front for other unscrupulous activities.
“We had reason to suspect that the company is a front for illegal cyber activities and investment scams,” Manahan said. “We coordinated this operation 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 scams.
The Chinese government has likewise reportedly cancelled the passports of those involved, making them undocumented aliens and tagging them as fugitives.
“This is another massive arrest by our Intelligence Division, in coordination with the QCPD-National Capital Region Police Office. This could not have been possible without their help, and we wish to thank QCPD director PBrig. Gen. Ronnnie Montejo for his support,” Morente said.
The Immigration chief again warned foreign nationals from using the country as the 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.
