Philippine authorities arrested 401 people, including 207 Chinese nationals, in a raid on a suspected cybercrime and online gambling hub on the night of February 26, officials announced.

Led by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and supported by the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the operation targeted a ten-story building near Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay.

PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said agents acted on a tip regarding illicit online gaming activity. “They flagrantly violated our laws—continuing full blast even after closure orders,” he stated.

Aside from the 207 Chinese nationals, authorities detained 132 Vietnamese, 24 Koreans, 11 Malaysians, 14 Indonesians, 12 Myanmar citizens, and 1 individual from Madagascar. They also apprehended 52 Filipinos employed as housekeeping staff.

Officials believe the facility facilitated more than online gambling, also hosting operations linked to cryptocurrency scams, romance frauds, and investment scams, often using text-blast networks and Viber or Telegram to ensnare victims overseas.

PNP-CIDG Director Police Major Gen. Nicolas Torre III recounted police finding suspects hiding in air-conditioning ducts and restrooms during the raid. Authorities seized multiple computers, SIM card bundles, text-blasting equipment, and crypto-wallets for forensic analysis.

City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano issued an immediate business permit revocation order, declaring the site illicit and unsanctioned by the Pasay City government. PAGCOR pledged ongoing collaboration to ensure compliance and shut down rogue operations.

The AP reports that the arrests underscore how online scam hubs continue operating despite President Marcos Jr.’s directive to dismantle them by the end of last year. Past investigations found officials may have accepted bribes to allow illegal POGO and scam facilities to operate.

AP sources added that suspects are facing charges under human trafficking and cybercrime statutes, while Filipinos employed there will be investigated to distinguish perpetrators from coerced or trafficked workers.

UN human rights officials have previously reported that criminal syndicates in Southeast Asia force people into scam centers, often trapping participants in virtual slavery.

Currently, all arrested individuals remain in custody at PNP facilities in Camp Crame pending processing. Immigration authorities will initiate verification and deportation procedures, while the DOJ compiles charges related to cybercrime, fraud, and trafficking.