Ten Chinese Nationals Arrested in Bataan Scam Hub
Authorities in Bataan apprehended ten Chinese nationals suspected of running a small-scale scam hub operating from residential homes. The crackdown targeted multiple locations believed to facilitate online scams, as part of an ongoing effort to dismantle illegal cybercrime networks.
Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted raids on at least three houses. Inside, they uncovered computers, electronic devices, and a satellite internet setup designed to evade detection by bypassing local internet service providers. This technology reportedly allowed scammers to operate without being easily traced.
Operation Details and Suspects’ Background
During the raids, officers confiscated phones from suspects immediately. Some individuals were found hiding in cabinets and closets, attempting to avoid capture. NBI Intelligence Division Assistant Director Noel Bocaling revealed that these suspects were once part of a larger Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) group.
After a major POGO hub was dismantled in Porac, Pampanga — an operation linked to a controversial figure — some members fled and formed smaller, independent scam groups. These cells continued their illicit activities under the radar.
“Yung kaso ni Alice Guo at sa Porac na na-dismantle ng PAOCC, nung dinismantle nila yan, marami ang nakatakas. Nung tumakas, di na sila nag-amo, sila-sila ang nagcreate ng grupo-grupo nila. Yung mga cellphones na gamit nila doon nakatakip ang mga camera para di makita ng mga kausap nila,” Bocaling said.
(When the PAOCC dismantled that site in Bamban in Alice Guo’s case and in Porac, many escaped. After fleeing, they stopped working under a single boss and instead formed their own smaller networks. They even covered their phone cameras so their contacts wouldn’t see them.)
Intel Leads to Arrests
The raid was triggered by a tip revealing that one of the rented houses was owned by the child of a former NBI agent, a factor that contributed to the group’s exposure. A Chinese informant who opposes illegal cyber activities also provided crucial intelligence.
“Nagkamali sila dahil yung mayari ng inuupahan nila yung anak dating NBI agent. Ang asset natin diyan Chinese din na ayaw na ayaw na ganyan,” he added.
(They made a mistake in choosing that house. Our asset in the area is also Chinese and refuses to tolerate scams like these.)
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
The ten arrested individuals now face charges under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act. They remain in custody as authorities continue investigating to uncover and shut down other possible scam hubs operating nearby.
Efforts to combat online scams persist as law enforcement remains vigilant against emerging cybercrime groups exploiting residential areas to carry out their schemes.
For more updates on online scam operations, visit Filipinokami.com.