CIDG: 9 Chinese arrested over human trafficking in Cebu
Nine Chinese were arrested at an alleged Philippine offshore gaming operation and scam hub in Mandaue City, Cebu, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police said on Friday.
The CIDG said the suspects were arrested for alleged human trafficking at the establishment inside a subdivision in Barangay Alang-alang on Wednesday.
The raid on the POGO hub was launched after a Filipino victim asked to be rescued.
'Investigation revealed that the rescued female victim and other Filipino workers of the alleged guerrilla POGO and scam hub were detained against their will, forced to work, and were not allowed to leave the house where they were working for the scam,' the CIDG said.
The arrested Chinese suspects failed to present passports and valid documents supporting their stay or work in the Philippines, according to the CIDG.
Seized from the raid were various electronic devices, including 21 desktop computers, 40 cellular phones, one tablet, and electronic accessories, which were turned over to the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7 for forensic examination.
The suspects will be facing complaints for the violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 and 2022, as well as immigration laws.
'This successful operation underscores the National Government's and PNP CIDG's intensified efforts against illegal POGOs and [internet gaming licensees], pursuant to Executive Order Number 74,' CIDG chief Police Brigadier General Romeo J. Macapaz said.
'Rest assured that your CIDG is unyielding in catching and cracking down on individuals and syndicates, local or foreign nationals, who are involved in all types of crimes in the country, including trafficking in persons and illegal operations of POGOs/IGLs,' he added.
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