Four Chinese Nationals Arrested in Muntinlupa for Cyber Fraud

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested four Chinese nationals allegedly involved in cyber fraud during an operation targeting suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related activities in Muntinlupa City. The operation, conducted on September 4, followed intelligence monitoring of reports on continuing POGO-related activities on Montillano Street in Alabang. The four were caught in the act allegedly engaged in cyber fraud activities, according to a report by the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU). One of those arrested, a 30-year-old individual, was undocumented. A 31-year-old and a 35-year-old were identified as overstaying foreigners without proper visas. The fourth, a 42-year-old, was also overstaying and had an existing blacklist order, and was identified as a former POGO worker. The operation was conducted pursuant to Mission Order No. 2026-321 issued by Immigration chief Joel Anthony M. Viado on September 3, directing the FSU to verify reports of the alleged illegal activities. The BI stated that the operation is part of the government’s efforts to enforce immigration laws and curb illegal activities involving foreign nationals. It urged the public to report suspected illegal activities involving foreign nationals through its hotline and official e-mail channels. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding criminal activities stemming from POGO-related establishments in the Philippines, prompting the government to intensify surveillance and regulation of these operations.