The Bureau of Immigration arrested four foreign nationals allegedly involved in telecommunications fraud, online gaming scams and other illicit activities in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Operatives from the BI Intelligence Division and Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 3 conducted the enforcement operation on 18 February in a residential area in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City.

The operation was carried out in coordination with the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group following intelligence information indicating that the suspects were involved in telecommunications fraud, online gaming fraud and a reported kidnapping-for-extortion scheme.

Two women described by authorities as Japanese nationals attempted to board a vehicle to evade arrest but were immediately intercepted by agents.

Authorities identified them as Oi Riho, 27, and Moriyama Yu, 31. They were found with another Japanese national, Kato Hiroaki, 42, and a Chinese national, Wang Xinyu, 32.

The four failed to present passports or valid identification documents.

Oi and Kato were found to be overstaying and undocumented aliens. Moriyama was cited for harboring illegal aliens and for being undocumented. Wang was charged with overstaying, being undocumented and for undesirability.

During an investigation conducted in the presence of representatives from the Japanese Embassy, the suspects denied involvement in kidnapping and extortion but admitted participation in scamming activities and online gaming fraud operations allegedly based in Angeles City.

Intelligence information identified Wang as the alleged logistics head of the scam hub, responsible for training personnel and managing operational requirements.

The suspects were apprised of their constitutional rights in a language they understood and were brought to the RIOU-3 office for documentation before being transferred to the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned foreign nationals against exploiting Philippine territory for criminal enterprises.

“We will not allow the Philippines to be used as a breeding ground for scam hubs, kidnapping schemes, and transnational fraud operations,” Viado said. “Foreign syndicates who think they can hide behind tourist visas or expired documents should think again. We are working closely with foreign governments and local law enforcement, and we will hunt you down.”

The BI chief added that operations against foreign-led scam networks will continue nationwide as part of the government’s intensified campaign against organized transnational crime.