BI, NBI arrest 49 foreigners in fraud scam raid

A joint operation by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 49 foreign nationals working for an alleged fraudulent online scam hub in Pasay City on Friday.

Officers from both agencies carried out a raid at a commercial building along Macapagal Avenue following intelligence that the suspects were operating under the guise of a legitimate digital service but without proper visas, targeting victims locally and internationally through various platforms.

Two individuals, a 29-year-old Bangladeshi man and a 25-year-old Pakistani man, were identified as key suspects; one was on a watchlist for illegal recruitment activities while the other was on an alert list for suspected financial fraud.

After booking and documentation procedures, the arrested individuals will undergo deportation proceedings and be blacklisted.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that the government will not tolerate any form of exploitation or fraudulent activity harmful to citizens and the economy.

The operation underscores the government's commitment to combating illegal foreign operations and cybercrimes in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s policies against such activities.

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are banned in the country due to their association with increased crime rates.