Raid vs illegal online gambling nets 31 Chinese in Ayala Alabang

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 31 Chinese nationals for allegedly conducting illegal online gambling activities inside the posh Ayala Alabang village in Muntinlupa City.

The suspects were rounded up on Wednesday at No. 3346 Apo Street, where they were caught in the act of “operating their illicit activities through cellular phones and computers,” according to Nick Suarez, NBI public information chief.

The operation carried out by agents from the bureau’s Rizal district office was in response to a tip from Ayala Alabang’s security management group, Suarez said.

The NBI had placed the target property under surveillance before obtaining a search warrant from Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 203.

The Chinese nationals face charges for violation of the Cyber Crime Prevention Act, Access Device Regulation Act and the law against illegal gambling.

Seized during Wednesday’s raid were several computers and cell phones. —AIE BALAGTAS SEE