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Advocates Philippines
Busted In Pasay: 6 Koreans Nabbed In Illegal Gambling Raid
Photo credit: BI
In a move against illegal foreign operations, authorities swooped down on a suspected online gambling hub in Pasay City, arresting six Korean nationals.
The Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-SPIDFU), carried out the operation on February 17. Their mission? To crack down on suspected illicit activities allegedly run by foreign nationals.
A High-Stakes Bust
Among those apprehended was Ha Jungjo, who had an active derogatory record for overstaying in the country. The group, most of whom held permanent resident visas, was reportedly caught red-handed operating what appeared to be an offshore gambling hub inside a Pasay City hotel.
According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the raid was launched following intelligence reports from the PAOCC. “This successful operation reflects our unwavering commitment to cracking down on illegal foreign operations in the country, especially those engaged in illicit online gambling,” Viado stated.
Inside the raid site, operatives uncovered multiple computer stations suspected of being used for illegal gaming activities. Korean authorities later confirmed that the suspects were linked to financial transactions involving Korean currency and bank accounts—a clear indication of their involvement in illegal gambling.
What’s Next for the Suspects?
With the arrests made, the suspects were placed under the custody of the PAOCC, while the BI will handle deportation proceedings. The six Koreans are now facing imminent deportation and blacklisting from the Philippines.
Commissioner Viado reiterated the government’s stance: “We continue to intensify our enforcement actions against foreign nationals violating Philippine laws, in line with the administration’s directive to maintain law and order.”
As authorities push forward with efforts to clamp down on illegal activities, this latest operation sends a clear message—foreign nationals engaging in illicit business in the Philippines will be caught and sent home.
The Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-SPIDFU), carried out the operation on February 17. Their mission? To crack down on suspected illicit activities allegedly run by foreign nationals.
A High-Stakes Bust
Among those apprehended was Ha Jungjo, who had an active derogatory record for overstaying in the country. The group, most of whom held permanent resident visas, was reportedly caught red-handed operating what appeared to be an offshore gambling hub inside a Pasay City hotel.
According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the raid was launched following intelligence reports from the PAOCC. “This successful operation reflects our unwavering commitment to cracking down on illegal foreign operations in the country, especially those engaged in illicit online gambling,” Viado stated.
Inside the raid site, operatives uncovered multiple computer stations suspected of being used for illegal gaming activities. Korean authorities later confirmed that the suspects were linked to financial transactions involving Korean currency and bank accounts—a clear indication of their involvement in illegal gambling.
What’s Next for the Suspects?
With the arrests made, the suspects were placed under the custody of the PAOCC, while the BI will handle deportation proceedings. The six Koreans are now facing imminent deportation and blacklisting from the Philippines.
Commissioner Viado reiterated the government’s stance: “We continue to intensify our enforcement actions against foreign nationals violating Philippine laws, in line with the administration’s directive to maintain law and order.”
As authorities push forward with efforts to clamp down on illegal activities, this latest operation sends a clear message—foreign nationals engaging in illicit business in the Philippines will be caught and sent home.
Feb 18, 2025
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