Japanese, Chinese nationals arrested in Pampanga scam hub

Four foreign nationals allegedly involved in telecommunications fraud, online gaming scams, and other illicit activities in Pampanga were arrested, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday.

Operatives from the Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 3 (RIOU-3) conducted the operation on 18 February at a residential area in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado and Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the operation was carried out in coordination with the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) following intelligence reports linking the suspects to telecommunications fraud, online gaming scams, and a reported kidnapping-for-extortion scheme.

Authorities identified the arrested individuals as Japanese nationals Oi Riho, 27; Moriyama Yu, 31; and Kato Hiroaki, 42; and Chinese national Wang Xinyu, 32.

Two of the suspects reportedly attempted to flee by boarding a vehicle but were immediately intercepted by agents.

All four failed to present passports or valid identification documents. Immigration records showed that Oi and Kato were overstaying and undocumented. Moriyama was cited for harboring illegal aliens and for being undocumented, while Wang was charged with overstaying, being undocumented, and being undesirable.

During an investigation conducted with representatives from the Japanese Embassy, the suspects denied involvement in kidnapping and extortion allegations 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 informed 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 at Camp Bagong Diwa.

Viado reiterated the agency’s firm stance against foreign nationals 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,” he 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 said operations targeting foreign-led scam networks will continue nationwide as part of the administration’s intensified drive against organized transnational crime.