The Philippines raided a suspected illegal online gaming and cyberscam complex in a central province and arrested at least 162 people - mostly Chinese and Indonesians.
The raid on Saturday by more than 100 government agents on a resort compound, Tourist Garden Hotel, in Lapu-Lapu city was part of a crackdown after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered a ban in July on widespread - and mostly Chinese-run - online operations that cater mostly to clients in China, where illegal gambling is banned.
The illegal gambling operations also committed other crimes, including scams, human trafficking, torture, kidnappings and murder.
The raid on the hotel, which has 10 buildings with swimming pools, karaoke bars and restaurants, came after Manila was asked to rescue eight Indonesians who were reportedly forced to work in the hub.
At least 162 foreign nationals "were found working in three scam farms," with the crimes including love, gaming and investment scams online that have defrauded victims of large amounts of money.
The 83 Chinese, 70 Indonesians, six Myanmar nationals, two Taiwanese and a Malaysian will be flown to Manila to face an immigration probe and possible deportation.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Originally published on https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/6/265852/162-held-in-Philippine-raid-on-scam-farms