17 foreign nationals arrested for illegal Pogo operation in Taguig

Seventeen foreign nationals, including twelve Chinese, four Malaysians, and one Vietnamese, were apprehended in Taguig City for allegedly operating an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) business.

The arrests were made during a raid on an office in Upper McKinley Hill while authorities were serving a warrant for a Chinese national wanted for estafa.

The Pogo operation, which allegedly operated the website pin77.com, was disguised as an IT solutions and BPO company.

Eighty-three Filipino workers were also present at the site but were released after being deemed victims who were misled into accepting jobs.

The company was not accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), confirming its illegal status.

Charges of illegal gambling, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the SIM Registration Act, have been filed against the foreign nationals.