BI arrests 86 foreigners in online scam raid

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) dismantled a large-scale online scam operation in Makati City on April 10, leading to the arrest of 86 foreign nationals.

Eighty-two Chinese, three Malaysians, and one Vietnamese individual were apprehended during the raid conducted by BI's Fugitive Search Unit and Philippine National Police-CIDG-NCRFU.

The arrests followed intelligence reports indicating that foreign nationals were being forced to work in digital scam operations involving fake e-commerce and romance schemes; authorities were tipped off after a Chinese national reportedly sent a WhatsApp message seeking help, claiming he was being held against his will and barred from leaving the premises.

During the raid, immigration agents found dozens of suspects stationed at computer terminals believed to be used in orchestrating scams without proper documentation concerning their stay and work status, indicating involvement in criminal activities without legal authorization.

The BI has urged the public to report suspected illegal activities involving foreign nationals as the agency vows to step up enforcement efforts in cyberscam cases.