By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Wednesday the arrest of three Chinese nationals involved in alleged online scamming and money laundering activities during an enforcement operation in Angeles City, Pampanga.
In a statement, the BI said those arrested were identified as Zhang Zheng, 42; Ren Yi, 28; and Zhang Shengjun, 31, who were reportedly caught in the act of operating computer equipment allegedly used for fraudulent online schemes targeting foreign victims.
They were arrested by operatives from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation–Organized and Transnational Crimes Division, on April 27 at a residential property inside the Pulu Amsic Subdivision in Angeles City.
The operation stemmed from intelligence information provided by the NBI, indicating that the suspects were part of so-called “breakaway” scam hubs — groups believed to be composed of former Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) workers who have resumed illegal activities in residential areas to evade authorities.
The bureau said initial verification showed that while one of the suspects holds a valid working visa, another has an expired visa, and the third is a permanent resident.
It added that the three failed to present their passports or any valid immigration documents at the time of arrest.
The suspects are now at the BI Warden Facility while facing deportation proceedings. (PNA)
