Philippine police arrest over 450 in Manila scam raid

Philippine police conducted a raid on an allegedly Chinese-operated offshore gaming site in Manila, resulting in the arrest of over 450 individuals, including 137 Chinese nationals. The site was reportedly functioning as a scam center, targeting victims in China and India with fraudulent sports betting and investment schemes. Commission chief Gilberto Cruz indicated that approximately five Chinese bosses were among those detained, facing potential trafficking charges. Following a ban on Philippine online gaming operators (POGOs) imposed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year, the ongoing presence of former POGO workers attempting to resume scamming operations has raised concerns. The raid is part of a broader crackdown on organized crime linked to human trafficking and online fraud in the region, which includes similar operations across Asia. As the mid-term elections approach, President Marcos has emphasized the need to address these issues, highlighting his predecessor's complacency towards POGOs as problematic.