PHILIPPINES: The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported 17 Taiwanese nationals who were discovered operating a massive online financial scam from within the country. This action underscores the government’s commitment to dismantling international criminal operations using the Philippines as a base.
The 17 individuals were placed on a direct flight to Taipei on the morning of January 21. The BI had officially tagged them as “undesirable aliens,” leading to their expulsion from the country.
Raid Uncovers Sophisticated Scam Hub
The deportation follows a raid conducted in May of last year in an upscale subdivision in Cebu City. A joint operation involving the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) Special Task Force and Cybercrime Division, along with other government intelligence units, uncovered the sophisticated setup.
Authorities caught the individuals in the act of running their illegal operations. They were found managing multiple workstations and engaging in fraudulent activities without the necessary visas or permits, which is a clear violation of Philippine immigration laws. A forensic examination of their digital equipment confirmed they were using scripts for romance and investment scams, along with various messaging platforms to deceive their victims. It was also revealed that several of the deported individuals had active arrest warrants in their home country.
A Firm Stance Against Foreign Criminals
This move aligns with a directive from the administration to crack down on transnational crime. Philippine officials have reiterated that the country will not serve as a sanctuary for foreign syndicates that exploit local laws to defraud people, regardless of their nationality.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued a strong statement on the matter. “This decisive action reflects the President’s clear policy: the Philippines will not tolerate foreign criminals who exploit our openness, abuse our laws, and prey on innocent people,” he said. Viado emphasized the Bureau’s dedication to pursuing, arresting, and deporting foreign nationals involved in illegal activities.
As a result of their actions, all 17 individuals have been permanently blacklisted, ensuring they cannot re-enter the Philippines in the future.