The Bureau of Immigration (BI) conducted a raid on an office in Ayala Avenue, Makati that was posing as an insurance company. In the raid, 31 foreigners involved in an online scam were caught, including 2 Taiwanese, 24 Chinese, 3 Malaysians, and 2 Burmese.
According to BI Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr., many computer workstations were found inside the office used in scams against foreign victims. The office is located on the 11th floor of a building and is used as a base by foreigners for online fraud, identity theft, and fake investments.
Syndicates are allegedly using the Philippines as a base for their fraud. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viardo said the country will not allow to be a haven for foreign criminals. All those caught had visa and work violations.
The situation worsened when it was discovered that the office was posing as a branch of a well-known insurance company. This was used to deceive the public and hide their illegal activities.
This move is part of the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the country's security against international syndicates. The government continues to focus on preventing cybercrimes operated by foreigners within the country.
