Chinese nationals nabbed in suspected Manila fraud hub

Immigration authorities reported on Monday the arrest of a Chinese national wanted in his country during a raid on a suspected fraud hub in San Miguel, Manila.

Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) Chief Rendel Ryan Sy said operatives, along with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), raided on Friday afternoon the Sunland Building on Casal Street and took into custody 38-year-old Cheng Qingyang.

According to BI, Qingyang is subject to a 2019 detention warrant issued by the Quanzhou Public Security Bureau for alleged economic crimes.

Authorities said he embezzled more than CNY 3 million from a Chinese company where he served as a shareholder and legal representative.

“The stolen funds were allegedly diverted for personal use, including investment purchases and credit card debt payments,” BI said, adding that such acts are considered “grave economic offenses under Chinese law.”

Operatives added that the site contained thousands of devices believed to be equipment used in online fraud schemes. Fifteen other Chinese nationals were also found at the location and failed to show valid passports or any documents to prove they are lawfully staying in the country.

The 16 individuals, according to BI, will face deportation proceedings for violations of immigration laws and will remain in the bureau’s custody while their cases are being processed.