Equipment for scams seized in Bamban POGO raid

Several pieces of equipment believed to be used for various scams were discovered inside a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm in Bamban, Tarlac recently raided over suspected illegal activities. 

According to Saleema Refran’s Friday “24 Oras” report, a follow-up operation of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in the office complex of the Zun Yuan Technology yielded a studio allegedly used for love scam, cryptocurrency scam, and human trafficking. 

Also discovered inside the barracks were hundreds of mobile phones, SIM cards, and other gadgets. 

“Maraming mga cellphones. Siguro mga daan-daan na mga cellphones ang makikita mo dyan na nakakakabit na mga SIM cards naman na puro fake ang identities. Love scam, romance scam, 'yung task scams at cryptocurrency scams,” PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz. 

(There were a lot of cell phones with SIM cards bearing false identities. They may be operating love scams, romance scams, task scams, and cryptocurrency scams.)

A rescued Malaysian admitted he was one of those forced to work as love scammers. 

“They already love, they already continue their relationship. Maybe boyfriends-girlfriends. Personally, how much do they have? Like first to start for 50,000,” said victim Dylan. 

At least 40 vehicles were also recovered in the compound. 

“Pinagpapalit-palit nila yung plaka. Obviously, may ginagawang mga kalokohan ito. Lalo namin lalaliman yung imbestigasyon,” Cruz said. 

(They interchange license plates. They are obviously doing something wrong so we will conduct a deeper investigation.)

Meanwhile, the five Chinese, two Vietnamese, and one Filipina arrested for allegedly striking and imprisoning two POGO workers underwent inquest proceedings for serious illegal detention and human trafficking charges. 

“Laban sa Pilipinang ito. Itinuro siya bilang isa sa mga recruiter. In the guise for recruiting them for legitimate work. Pagpunta rito pinupwersa pala yung mga taong ito na maging scammers,” said PAOCC Spokesperson Winston John Casio. 

(One Filipina was being pinpointed as the recruiter. They were being recruited in the guise of legitimate work but were being forced to work as scammers.)

“Mayroon pa kasi kaming hinahanap na mga foreign nationals na supposed to be ire-rescue namin nung first day. Kaya lang hindi namin nakita. Malamang ito, itinakas ito ahil alam nila ito yung magbabaon sa kanila,” Casio added. 

(We are searching for some foreign nationals supposedly to be rescued during the first day. However, we cannot see him. We believe they were taken away.)

Authorities also found that the POGO employees do not have offshore gaming employee licenses (OGEL) and will be deported to their countries.

Some of the Filipino employees, meanwhile, were allowed to go home. 

“Lahat po sila iligal na nagtatrabaho sa POGO na ito,” Castro said. 

(All employees here are working illegally.) —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News