69 FOREIGNERS NABBED IN SCAM HUB RAID

AGENTS of the Philippine National Police- Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) on Tuesday night arrested 69 foreigners in a raid at an alleged love and cryptocurrency scams hub in Malate, Manila.

Thirty-four of those arrested are Indonesians, 25 are Chinese nationals and 10 are Malaysians.

Armed with a search warrant issued by a Manila court, a joint team from the PNP-ACG and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) swooped down on an information technology (IT) firm at the corner of Adriatico and Monica St, in Malate, Manila.

PNP-ACG spokesperson Lt. Wallen Mae Arancillo said the raid stemmed from the confirmed intelligence reports of the operation of a  live illegal online Love Scam and Cryptocurrency Investment Scam in Malate District.

“Their victims are foreigners. They would employ various modus relating to love scam and investment on cryptocurrency. Once they get what they want, they will block the victims,’ said Arancillo.

Reports showed the online scam hub has been operating for almost a year since the revocation of its permit on November 8 last year.

Authorities said the scam hub was already raided several times in the past.

Seized during the operation were computer equipment and gadgets.