In a significant operation against illegal gambling, law enforcement agencies raided a suspected Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Pasay City, leading to the arrest of six South Korean nationals and fifteen Filipinos. The operation, executed on Monday, February 17, 2025, involved coordinated efforts from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). The raid targeted a facility in the basement of the Heritage Hotel, where the suspects were allegedly caught operating an illegal online gaming setup aimed at Korean nationals. The authorities seized numerous computer stations believed to be used for these illicit activities. Among those detained was Ha Jungjo, a South Korean with a history of overstaying in the Philippines. The PAOCC reported that the group was not only involved in illegal gaming but also in game fixing and online scams. The arrested individuals are now held at the PAOCC’s facility, facing charges under various laws including the Securities Regulation Code, Illegal Gambling, Money Laundering, and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act. The BI has initiated deportation and blacklisting proceedings against the South Korean suspects, with Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasizing the commitment to due process and collaboration with law enforcement to eliminate illegal activities by foreigners. Investigations into financial transactions in Korean currency further confirmed the suspects’ involvement in illegal gambling.
Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gaming Hub in Pasay, Arrest 21
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