PNP Says P305 Million Seized in POGO Raids Still Intact

November 12, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has dismissed reports claiming that over P305 million in cash confiscated during raids on two Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is missing.

Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, the PNP’s Public Information Office chief, clarified the situation during their November 11, 2024 press briefing, stating that all the funds seized remain secure in a safekeeping room at Camp Crame.

According to Fajardo, the cash was seized in two separate operations. The first, conducted at Clark Sun Valley Hub Corp. in Pampanga, led to the recovery of P187.8 million. The second, carried out at Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. (formerly Hong Tai) in Las Piñas City, resulted in the seizure of P117.1 million. Both amounts, Fajardo confirmed, are accounted for and remain in police custody.

“These funds are intact and can be inspected upon request by the authorized parties. Reports of missing POGO money are false and misleading. The court will decide on the final disposition,” Fajardo assured the public.

In an interview with the Philippine Star, Fajardo emphasized that the police are fully prepared to cooperate with any court directives regarding the disposition of the funds.

READ: PNP To Dismiss 11 Cops For Moonlighting With POGOs

The PNP’s statement comes in response to claims circulating in the media about missing money following high-profile raids targeting POGOs. These allegations gained traction after the controversial police operation at Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila, on October 29. During that raid, officers from the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) targeted Vertex Technology, a company suspected of involvement in various illicit activities, including POGO operations, cryptocurrency scams, and romance fraud schemes.

While the operation on Century Peak Tower was widely reported, no cash was found during the raid. Fajardo explained that while law enforcement officials did seize electronic devices and other evidence from the premises, no cash was recovered. Investigators did, however, come across several unopened safety vaults within the building.

READ: Century Peak Alleges Unwarranted Raid, Plans Legal Action vs. PNP

Fajardo noted that the cyber warrant used in the operation did not authorize officers to open the vaults. As a result, a separate search warrant would be required before police could legally access the contents of the vaults.

“The cyber warrant does not cover breaking open the vaults. So a separate warrant is required,” she said. Fajardo added that the forensic examination of the confiscated devices from the Vertex raid is still ongoing, with police working to analyze the data for further evidence of criminal activity.

Despite the lack of cash recovery at Vertex Technology, the PNP has pressed charges against several foreign nationals in connection with the other POGO raids. In the Clark Sun Valley raid, eight foreign nationals face charges related to illegal POGO operations.

In the case of Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. (formerly Hong Tai), 17 foreign nationals have been implicated and are facing similar complaints. The PNP has made it clear that they are committed to holding individuals accountable for their involvement in illegal POGO activities, particularly those that have been linked to various forms of cybercrime.

The controversy surrounding the alleged missing funds has stirred concerns about the handling of POGO operations in the country. POGOs, which have been under increasing scrutiny due to their association with organized crime, human trafficking, and other illicit activities, have become a major focus for law enforcement in recent years. Some government officials have even called for the closure of these online gaming operations, citing their negative impact on national security and public safety.

Amid the ongoing investigation and media attention, Fajardo assured the public that the PNP is committed to transparency and accountability. She urged the public to rely on official police statements and court proceedings for information regarding the handling of the seized funds and the status of the investigations. The PNP also reiterated its commitment to cooperating fully with the judiciary and other government agencies to ensure that justice is served.