100 Chinese nationals deported from PH over POGO scam links

One hundred Chinese nationals, apprehended in four separate raids on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and scam hubs since August 2024, were deported to China on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

The raids occurred in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; Silang, Cavite; Parañaque City; and Pasay City.

The deportation was a joint effort between the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Chinese Embassy.

PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz stated that information obtained from these individuals is crucial for understanding the operational methods and money laundering systems used by POGO bosses.

The deportees will undergo investigation in China for scamming, cybercrime, fraud, and money laundering.

This deportation follows stricter immigration protocols implemented in March 2025, which ban flights with layovers for POGO-linked deportees, after three POGO operators escaped deportation by diverting to Hong Kong.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. previously declared a ban on POGOs in July 2024, citing their involvement in criminal activity.