POGO hub allegedly linked to love scam raided in Pasay

A Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub linked to "love scam" activities was raided by authorities in Pasay City on Thursday, Oscar Oida reported on "24 Oras."

Over 200 personnel of the firm were arrested in the operation conducted by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and Pasay City Police on Thursday at around 6 p.m.

Most of them are Chinese nationals involved in the love scam, which is said to be the primary modus of the POGO hub.

The authorities will examine the confiscated computers, cellphones, SIM cards, and other items to build a case against those arrested.

They could face charges for violation of the Anti-Cyber Crime Act and immigration laws for working without permits.

PAOCC undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said they believe some of those arrested were "big bosses" of the POGO.

“Ang tingin ko may mga nakuha tayong big boss dito. Yung iba dinatnan natin sa opisina ng mga boss, like ito opisina ng big boss, titingnan natin ang background niya kasi sa itsura niya palang talagang boss na boss ang dating niya,” said Cruz.  

(I think we have some big bosses here.  We found some of them in the offices of the bosses.  We will check their background," he added.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News