DOJ seeks raps vs 27 suspects after POGO raid in Pasay

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended the filing of charges against 27 individuals who are involved in the operations of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in Pasay City.

The information will be filed before the Regional Trial Court of Pasay City.

The recommendation came after the National Bureau of Investigation executed search warrants issued by Judge Maria Victoria Soriano-Villadolid on August 1 against the POGO company located in P. Zamora Street, Pasay City.

“The investigation conducted by the NBI uncovered compelling evidence of [the POGO's] involvement in fraudulent activities, particularly in the realms of tasking and recharging scams,” the DOJ said in a statement.

“The DOJ's investigation has found that the actions of [the POGO] and the involved respondents fall within the purview of Recharging and Tasking Scams, violating Section 28.1 of R.A. No. 8799. It has also been established that the company engaged in selling stocks and securities without proper registration, thereby violating the law. As a result, [the POGO] is held liable under Section 28.1 of R.A. No. 8799.”

The DOJ said the complaint for violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act has been recommended for further investigation while the forensic examination reports are pending.

According to the Justice Department, tasking scams exploit individuals seeking online job opportunities by offering payment for task completion, while recharging scams involve unauthorized mobile or online payments for services that are never delivered.

The DOJ said the investigation also revealed allegations that the POGO was operating schemes through its website and other online platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

The respondents allegedly portrayed themselves as investors or "guide/helpers" to entice clients into making investments in stocks and cryptocurrency, promising lucrative returns and they introduced investment opportunities in their gaming application, in which deposited funds were claimed to yield specific returns based on the investment amount, the DOJ said. — DVM, GMA Integrated News