Summary:
Authorities in Moalboal, Cebu, are turning up the heat on 38 undocumented Chinese nationals suspected of being part of illegal Philippine Offshore Gambling Operations (Pogo). Following an intense police raid at the Happy Bear Resort, investigators seized dozens of electronic gadgets and six vehicles. The bust, sparked by a tip-off about the resort’s unusual internet activity, revealed the foreigners lacked identification documents. Now, forensic experts are delving into the confiscated devices to uncover any ties to illegal gambling. Formal charges under the Alien Registration Act of 1950 are imminent.
Crackdown on Illegal Pogo Operations in Cebu: Moalboal Raid Unfolds
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CEBU CITY, Philippines –
In Moalboal, Cebu, authorities are pushing forward with formal cases against 38 undocumented Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal Philippine Offshore Gambling Operation (Pogo). The operation escalated on October 9, when police raided the Happy Bear Resort in Barangay Saavedra following a tip-off regarding unusual high-speed internet usage. Upon entry, authorities apprehended the foreigners and confiscated various electronics, including 34 computer sets, four laptops, and 226 smartphones, as well as six vehicles. Forensic investigations will assess whether the gadgets were utilized for illegal gambling activities, such as offshore online betting.
Gadget Seizure and Forensic Examination
Led by Police Captain Brigido Paca, Moalboal authorities seized six vehicles from the raid site: a Toyota Hi Ace Van, Ford Everest and Titanium SUVs, a Ford Territory, a Suzuki Jimny, and a Toyota Innova. These items, along with the gadgets, were taken into police custody. The authorities plan to use forensic analysis to determine if the gadgets had links to any criminal activities, especially those involving illegal online gambling. The search warrant was served against Zhai Shi Ying and 37 others residing at the small resort, marking a critical move in Cebu’s efforts to curb illegal offshore gambling.
Operation Background
Local officials lauded the raid’s success, attributing it to diligent monitoring efforts. This operation aligns with an ongoing crackdown on illegal Pogo activities across Cebu, which included a recent raid on an illegal hub in Lapu-Lapu City. Both Moalboal and Lapu-Lapu City are well-known tourist destinations, yet these incidents reveal that such scenic locations can also be hotspots for illegal operations.
Authorities are now tightening surveillance to root out more potential Pogo activities within the area.
Link: The post “‘Police prepares cases vs undocumented Chinese in Moalboal” first appeared on CebuDailyNews
