The Bureau of Immigration (BI) revealed on Tuesday that at least 86 foreign nationals — mostly Chinese — were arrested in a raid on an alleged scam operation at a condominium along Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue last 10 April.
In a statement, the BI said the operation by its Fugitive Search Unit, in coordination with the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, National Capital Region Field Unit (CIDG-NCRFU), followed intelligence about a suspected scam hub forcing foreigners to work as scammers.
BI commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado issued the mission order.
According to the CIDG-NCRFU, the operation was triggered after a Chinese national sent a distress message via WhatsApp claiming he was being held against his will and unable to leave the workplace.
Further investigation revealed the network allegedly made money through love scams and e-commerce fraud, tricking victims into sending money for fake online orders or dating profiles without receiving any goods or services.
During the raid, BI agents found 86 foreign individuals, including 82 Chinese, three Malaysians and one Vietnamese, working at computer stations, suspected of participating in the online scams.
They allegedly failed to provide proof of legal residency or employment in the Philippines.
“This operation highlights the ongoing threat posed by illegal aliens who use digital platforms to con and defraud innocent victims across borders,” Viado said.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to implementing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to deport illegal foreign nationals engaged in criminal activity,” he added.
Viado also urged the public to be cautious and report any suspicious activity involving illegal aliens, stating that working without proper documentation and committing crimes are “grave violations of our laws and national security.”
The arrested individuals will be detained at the BI Warden’s Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending deportation proceedings after booking and documentation are completed.