Philippines held over 200 foreigners operating against scams

A simultaneous operation, coordinated by various security forces, took place in the municipalities of Siay and Alicia, in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, in the south of the country.

The 244 foreign workers arrested are “mostly Chinese,” according to the service, who also identified a group of citizens from South East Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia or Indonesia.

They were all in the custody of the authorities while the deportation process began.

The Immigration Service has ensured that it is investigating “possible human trafficking-related violations.”.

At the target locations of the operation, authorities seized thousands of mobile phones and other computer devices, such as computers or SIM cards, which were used to “commit online fraud”, which “allowed us to unmask an illegal operation organised via the Internet”.

“ We will continue to apply our immigration laws against foreigners who violate the conditions of their stay and we will ensure that the Philippines is not used as a basis for illegal activities,” department chief Joel Viado said.

The target centers of the operation were identified as Extraterritorial Game Operators, virtual casinos directed especially to Chinese citizens, who, after eight years of activity, became synonymous with fraud, slavery and human trafficking.

Although banned at the end of 2024, the Philippine authorities fear that some virtual gaming companies will continue to operate underground.