Chinese online gambling operators arrested by Philippines immigration

In the Philippines, Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente told local channel TV5 Friday that 154 Chinese nationals involved in illegal online gambling were arrested this morning in a raid on a rented building in Clark Field, Angeles City, Pampanga.

The raid followed an intensive investigation and surveillance of the offenders’ activities that lasted for weeks, the Commissioner revealed, adding that the investigation had been triggered by tip-offs.

Many of those detained could not produce valid immigration documents, he said.

“They will undergo summary deportation proceedings for violating the conditions of their stay in the country and engaging in activities inimical to the public interest,” Morente said, claiming that the offenders had entered the Philippines as tourists and that they had abused and/or overstayed the period laid down on their visas.

The suspects were taken to the BI detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig City after being documented.

Morente said that the illegal online gambling operation was targeted on China.