Korean arrested over POGO-like operations in PH 

A Korean man, who is allegedly a syndicate leader, was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration authorities over an operation similar to the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO). 

According to John Consulta’s exclusive report on "24 Oras" on Thursday, the foreigner was arrested in Quezon City. 

“Sinasabing ‘big boss’ ng Korean online gambling syndicate,” said BI Fugitive Search Unit chief Rendel Sy. “From the start of their operation, kumita sila ng almost USD 1 billion  sa pag-setup nila ng online gambling site.” 

(He is said to be a ‘big boss’ of a Korean online gambling syndicate. From the start of their operation, they earned almost USD 1 billion in setting up their online gambling site.) 

The suspect and his cohorts are wanted in South Korea for a long time, but they were able to evade authorities with their lowkey operations. 

“Nago-operate sila sa mga bahay-bahay lang, para ma-iwasan na ma-inspect, para di sila ma-inspect sila or maregulate ng  PAGCOR,” said Sy. “Mas may risk na doon pwede nila gawin ang panloloko o pangi-scam kasi di sila nare-regulate.” 

(They are just operating in houses to avoid inspection or regulation by the PAGCOR. They could be doing their illicit activities or scamming over there because they cannot be regulated.) 

If the arrested Korean citizen does not have pending local cases, he would be immediately deported to South Korea. 

The suspect, who is currently detained at BI’s detention facility in Bicutan, did not give a comment.—Vince Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News