MANILA:  , Philippine police raided a Chinese-run scam centre in the capital Manila on Thursday ( Aug 22 ), arresting dozens of Filipino and foreign workers who allegedly tricked people into investing in a “manipulated” trading platform.
Authorities said the heart was operating in the guise of a licenced online gaming firm, which President Ferdinand Marcos banned final month over the company’s references to schemes, theft, human trafficking and death.
Among the 67 immigrants arrested during the pre-dawn attack on an office building in the district were 58 Foreign nationals, plus citizens from Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Vietnam. There were also 32 Filipinos.
The owner and manager of the service – both Chinese nationals – were among those arrested, police said in a speech.
Police said the heart was running a” crypto-currency purchase rip-off” and “love scam”, with people posing as affluent types who had “entice” victims to invest in a “manipulated” trading platform.
The Filipinos detained allegedly told authorities they were forced to work as swindlers, but the statement did not specify what may happen to them if they refused.
Some employees worked as models who were made to “dress in a charming way” and participate in “lascivious do” to help lure potential victims, the statement added.