Summary:
- A Chinese-run scam center in Manila was raided on August 22, resulting in nearly 100 arrests.
- The center was involved in crypto and romance scams, posing as a licensed online gaming company.
- Arrests included 64 foreign nationals and 32 Filipinos, with claims of coercion among the detained.
In a major operation on August 22, Philippine authorities successfully raided a Chinese-operated scam center in Manila, apprehending nearly 100 individuals involved in various fraudulent schemes. The center, which was disguised as a legitimate online gaming company, was discovered to be running crypto and romance scams that targeted unsuspecting victims.
The scammers employed deceptive tactics, such as pretending to be wealthy models, to lure individuals into investing in fraudulent trading platforms. After intelligence reports confirmed the existence of these illegal activities, the police launched a predawn raid on the facility located at Centrium Tower 1 in Parañaque City.
The operation led to the arrest of 64 foreign nationals, including 56 Chinese citizens, as well as the center’s key figures, such as the manager, owner, and supervisor—all of whom were Chinese nationals. Additionally, 32 Filipinos were detained, with some alleging they were coerced into working for the scam center. As of the latest reports, a total of 99 individuals have been taken into custody.
This raid underscores the ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to crack down on cyber fraud and protect potential victims from falling prey to such schemes. The success of this operation serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in the fight against financial crime.
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