A follow-up raid in Central One PH, a BPO firm allegedly tied to illegal POGOs in Bataan, resulted in PNP finding P112 million cash in its vaults.
Authorities uncovered a staggering P112 million in cash during a follow-up raid on Central One PH, a business process outsourcing (BPO) company suspected of operating an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bagac, Bataan.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) executed a court order to open 14 vaults within the Bataan facility. This operation was part of an ongoing investigation into the company's alleged involvement in illegal online gambling.
The seizure of the substantial amount of cash has fueled speculation about the extent of Central One PH's POGO activities. The company, which employs over 1,600 individuals, has maintained its innocence, claiming the funds are for operational expenses, salaries, and supplier payments.
However, the arrest of five foreign nationals, including Indonesian fugitive Handoyo Salman, who is accused of fraud and money laundering, has further implicated the company in illicit activities. Salman, reportedly the head of the company's budget department, is believed to have played a key role in the alleged POGO operation.
Law enforcement agencies are now scrutinizing the seized cash and documents to gather evidence and build a strong case against Central One PH. The recovered items will be transported to Camp Crame in Quezon City before being presented in court in Malolos, Bulacan.
Central One PH has asserted its cooperation with authorities and has witnessed the execution of the break-open order. Specialized tools were employed to open the vaults, a process that was carefully monitored by law enforcement officials.
Central One PH has earlier maintained that it was operating a BPO office and had denied any human trafficking operations.
Read related article: 700 Filipinos Rescued from Bataan POGO Hub Involved in Scams
Comments