Cryptocurrency scammers have become a growing concern in the Philippines, prompting a legislator to raise the alarm about their activities. With a particular focus on Filipino Offshore Game Operators (POGOs), this legislator maintains that these entities are being used as a “legal cover” for the illicit cryptocurrency scammers’ operations.
During the appeal of the hearing on illegal activities involving aliens, Senator Ana Theresia “Resa” Hontiveros presented compelling evidence to support her allegations. It showed videos and reports documenting recent raids by law enforcement agencies on several commercial and residential properties in Clark, Pampanga.
These raids resulted in the rescue of more than 1,000 victims and the seizure of more than 180 million pesos (about $3.2 million) in cash, highlighting the scale of the illegal operations going on and the urgent need to address this issue immediately.
Linking human trafficking rescues to crypto scammers
On Tuesday, a Senate committee conducted an investigation aimed at supporting legislation related to the rescue of 1,048 human trafficking victims. These individuals fell prey to a crypto scam located within Clark Freeport. The investigation sought to shed light on the matter and gather information for possible legal action.
“Today’s hearing emphatically confirmed one thing: POGOs are being used as legal cover for fraudulent centers.”
It was revealed that the fraud center had been operating since September 2021, operating under the guise of a POGO license. This finding raises concerns about the effectiveness of the regulatory framework surrounding criminal organizations and the potential loopholes that enable criminal enterprises to thrive.
BTCUSD slides back into the $27K region today. Chart: TradingView.com
arrests in connection with the operation
As a result of the raid, the authorities arrested at least 12 people who were allegedly overseeing the Fraudulent operations. Their concerns mark a step towards dismantling the network of crypto fraudsters behind the exploitation of human trafficking victims.
Survivors of human trafficking, coming from countries like Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand and Bhutan, are currently undergoing repatriation procedures. Efforts are being made to ensure their safe return to their countries of origin and to provide them with the necessary support and assistance after their traumatic experiences.
Crypto scammers would continue to carry out their operations without prompt government action. Image: Panay News.
The senator calls for the immediate expulsion of human rights organizations from the country
In a powerful statement, Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, emphasized the urgency of removing POGOs from the country.
She said firmly:
“The first concrete step we have to take is to ban POGOs in the country. Kick POGOs out of the country now.”
Hontiveros has expressed concern that if POGOs are allowed to continue, crypto scams and associated human trafficking activities will quickly escalate.
She warned that without decisive action, these cryptocurrency scammers will continue to proliferate at an alarming rate, outstripping the government’s ability to combat them effectively.
Featured image from The Manila Times