POGO-linked Espionage Emerges as New National Threat
Individuals connected to outlawed Philippine offshore gaming operations have shifted tactics, now engaging in espionage against the Philippines. Authorities revealed this alarming development during a recent congressional hearing. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) spokesman, Ferdinand Lavin, confirmed that as POGOs were banned under the current administration, those involved adapted to new illegal activities.
“Ito po yung scamming. After the banning of the POGO, nag-iba na po sila ng operations,” Lavin explained. The NBI is actively pursuing these evolving threats, including operations violating the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act. This shift from gaming to espionage poses a growing risk to national security.
Investigations Reveal Nexus Between POGOs and Espionage
During the 15th and final hearing of the House quad-committee, Manila 1st district Representative Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio pressed for details on the NBI’s progress. Lavin shared that their data increasingly show interconnections between POGO activities and espionage networks targeting the country.
“Ang observation kanina, this is already spilling over to matters affecting our national security,” Lavin said. The NBI is finalizing its investigation and will soon submit a comprehensive report to the Committee on Security. Several foreign nationals linked to espionage have already been charged.
Enhanced Forensics and Legal Actions Underway
Efforts include digital forensic examinations of devices seized during operations against both financial scams and espionage activities. Lavin emphasized, “We are doing some digital forensic examination on the gadgets we have taken into custody or seized during the various operations both in the POGO or the financial scamming activities and the espionage activities.”
Representative Dionisio summarized the situation: “So madaling salita, ang POGO ay kunektado sa espionage sa bansa natin?” Lavin affirmed, “We are going into that direction Mr. Chair.”
The evolving nature of criminal activities linked to POGOs signals a pressing need for vigilance and stronger counterintelligence measures. Authorities continue to pursue legal proceedings against those involved to safeguard the country’s security.
For more news and updates on POGO-linked espionage, visit Filipinokami.com.
