Bitrabo Editorial
Lawmakers in the Philippines have raised concerns about the increasing number of crypto scammers in the country and how these crooks are leveraging Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) as a “legal cover” for their illegal activities.
Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros presented evidence during a hearing on illegal activities involving foreigners. She showed videos and reports on recent raids on different properties in Clark, Pampanga, which resulted in the rescue of over 1,000 victims and the seizure of over $3.2 million in cash showing the magnitude of the scams and the need to address the issue urgently.
Human Trafficking Rescue Linked with Crypto Scammers
The Senate committee conducted an inquiry to support legislation on the rescue of 1048 trafficking victims who fell prey to a crypto scam operating in Clark Freeport. It discovered that the scam had been in operation since September 2021, masquerading under the guise of a POGO license. The discovery raises concerns about POGO’s regulatory infrastructure and the potential loopholes for criminal enterprises.
Arrests Made in Connection with the Operation
The authorities arrested around 12 people who allegedly ran the fraudulent crypto scam operation, signifying a crucial step towards dismantling the scam network maliciously exploiting human trafficking victims.
The survivors of human trafficking from Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and Bhutan are in the process of returning home, ensuring that they receive support and assistance to aid their recovery from the traumatic experiences.
Senator Calls for Immediate Expulsion of POGOs From the Country
Senator Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, called for an urgent ban on POGOs in the country, stating that the immediate removal of POGOs from the country is necessary. She fears that if POGOs aren’t banned, the human trafficking activities and crypto scam operations associated with them will multiply rapidly. She cautioned that without decisive action, crypto scammers would continue to carry out their operations, making it impossible for the government to effectively combat them.
Crypto scammers will continue their operations without any government actions. Image source: Panay News.
-Featured image from The Manila Times