The Philippines gaming regulator has ordered an offshore gaming operator in Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, to suspend business while law enforcement investigates suspected illegal activity at the site.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has issued a show-cause order demanding that Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. “explain in detail” why it is not guilty of human trafficking, cryptocurrency scams and romance scams.
The Philippines National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group put the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) under surveillance for almost a month before conducting a raid on June 26.
In the raid, authorities rescued more than 2,500 people believed to be victims of human trafficking, including 1,500 Filipinos and 1,000 foreign nationals from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore. The foreign nationals were remanded to the custody of their embassies, PAGCOR reported.
Authorities also seized computers, SIM cards, cell phones and passports that will be evaluated by forensic experts for potential additional evidence.
“We condemn all criminal activities that violate Philippine laws and human rights – regardless of nationality,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
“As we have always said before, PAGCOR will not hesitate to impose sanctions on erring licensees and accredited service providers. Similarly, we will continue to cooperate with our partner law enforcement agencies to ensure that responsible and regulated gaming is observed.”
