Raided POGO Firm in Paranaque Manipulated Gambling Sites: NBI

A scam hub seized in Paranaque was found to have operated “manipulated” gambling sites, with algorithms designed to tilt odds heavily in favor of the house, ensuring users’ continual losses.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago revealed this as he presented the arrested 17 Chinese nationals following a raid on four condominium units in Paranaque City. The Chinese nationals allegedly used manipulated gambling sites that were designed to ensure that users consistently lost.

Facing multiple charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175), the suspects, including Zhao Jianjun, Huang Cheng Chi, and others, face counts of Illegal Access, Misuse of Devices, and Computer-Related Fraud. Further charges for Social Engineering Schemes and Economic Sabotage have also been filed under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (RA 12010).

Foreign syndicates posed as representatives of legitimate businesses to solicit cryptocurrency investments.

Using platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, the syndicate tricked victims into bogus “mining” and “farming” ventures.

Hou Jusen, a Chinese national, is also facing anti-corruption raps for attempting to bribe NBI agents with P5.1 million during the raid.

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