Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Philippine authorities have arrested 244 foreign nationals in Zamboanga Sibugay in the country’s largest crackdown on illegal offshore gaming operations this year.
The October 2 raids targeted sites in Siay and Alicia, where investigators seized roughly 3,000 mobile phones, 78 computer monitors, laptops and SIM cards believed to be connected to illegal online operations. Most of those detained were Chinese nationals, alongside citizens of several other countries.
The investigation is now moving beyond immigration violations as authorities examine possible links to online scams and human trafficking. The National Bureau of Investigation says the raided facilities were being used for illegal offshore gaming and “love scam” operations, while investigators are also checking whether the sites functioned as troll farms.
Officials have stressed that trafficking-related offences remain under investigation and will require further evidence.
The crackdown sends a strong warning to operators attempting to rebuild illegal online businesses after the Philippines banned POGO operations. Authorities say those arrested will face appropriate immigration proceedings, with deportation and possible blacklisting for those found to have violated Philippine law.
With thousands of devices now being examined, investigators could uncover wider networks, financial trails and additional victims as the operation expands.
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