The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission reported that the recently raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bagac, Bataan, is operated by Malaysian nationals, with three major officials arrested during the operation.
"Grupo ng mga Malaysia nationals, doon po nakuha ‘yung tatlo. Nakuha naman po natin ‘yung 3 major owners ng pasilidad na iyon," PAOCC Spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio said in an exclusive interview for DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Friday.
"For this particular scam farm, ito ay mga Malaysian nationals," he added.
Casio reported that the PAOCC's gathered evidence shows no current links between the POGO hub and any Chinese organizations.
However, in the country, there are reportedly illegal gaming operations that are run by Malaysian-Chinese individuals.
What did PAOCC uncover?
Casio indicated that the first discovery made at the location was a particularly notorious gaming platform associated with cryptocurrency scams.
"Doon sa Chinese POGO na kahalintulad, plainview, wala po kaming nakitang love scamming, wala kaming nakitang investment scam. Pero nakita po namin ‘yung isang platform naman on online sports betting," said Casio.
The noticeable problem with such online sports betting conducted in the said POGO is that game fixing is being carried out.
According to Casio, the local government unit of Bataan and Bagac conducted an inspection last June in the POGO hub but found no irregularities.
"Pero sa aming nakita, nakita naming agad ‘yung mga red flags noong mga scamming activities na nabanngit," Casio stated.
"Kampante kami na mayroon kaming mahahalukay pang mas malalim rito kapag nakapag-apply na kami nung cyber warrant para ma-examine namin ‘yung mga computers na aming ire-return sa Korte on Monday bilang ebidensya po namin," he added.
Based on their initial investigation, their clients are primarily from Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, indicating a multi-ethnic clientele.
Who are the POGO hub workers?
The PAOCC discovered Filipino workers at the raided POGO hub, and not all of them were aware of the scamming activities being conducted.
According to Casio, there are various divisions within the different units known as divisions inside Central One, and one group is unaware of the activities of another group.
"Hindi alam ng karamihan sa 95% na mga Filipinos na scamming ang kanilang activity. Pero ‘yung ilan na above the normal worker, alam nila," said Casio.
When they spoke to the employees in question, they were initially hesitant due to fear of legal repercussions. However, they were assured that they would not be prosecuted, as the PAOCC is pursuing the corporations and their officials.
"Hindi alam ng karamihan sa 95% na mga Filipinos na scamming ang kanilang activity. Pero ‘yung ilan na above the normal worker, alam nila," Casio mentioned.
Casio further stated that it is unfortunate that some Filipinos will be unemployed this Christmas, but such cases cannot be avoided as the evidence collected by the agency is clear and substantial.
He also appealed for respect towards the Filipino workers at the raided POGO hub, emphasizing that, as government officials, they are simply doing their jobs.
What stemmed the operation?
A complainant who worked at the POGO hub provided the PAOCC with a clear picture of the activities taking place inside the facility.
According to Casio, the complainant wished to resign but was dissuaded from doing so. The individual wanted to leave due to a disapproval of the scamming activities occurring.
"Kampante kami na bagamat sinasabi nilang sila’y call center lamang, ‘yun po ay isang pang-front lamang para mapagtakpan ang kanilang illicit activities," said Casio.
"Pero bukod pa doon, talagang isa pa nilang problema ay wala silang permit," he added.
The corporation and its officials is set to face multiple charges.
