MANILA, Philippines — Five foreigners were arrested by Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives following a raid on a suspected online scam hub in Parañaque City, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said on Wednesday.
The raid, Viado said, was carried out as part of the government’s intensified campaign against transnational crime and illegal activities involving foreign nationals.
The operation stemmed from intelligence reports linking the location to an alleged “love scam” operation that targeted victims through online deception and cryptocurrency-related schemes.
Arrested during the raid at a condominium complex in Sapphire Seaview Park, Paranaque were Chinese citizen Tang Shun, Malaysian Chia Kong Loon, and Burmese Kum Htoi, Myo Oo, and Kyaw Tint Lwin.
The five were apprehended after immigration checks allegedly uncovered violations of Philippine immigration laws.
According to Viado, intelligence reports indicated that the condominium units were being used for fraudulent online activities.
Authorities also received information that some workers associated with the operation were allegedly restricted from freely leaving the premises.
