93 Chinese, 11 Filipinos nabbed for operating illegal online gambling

The NCRPO’s Special Operations Unit arrested 104 individuals involved with an illegal online gambling platform in Pasig City. PHOTO FROM NCRPO

At least 104 individuals, including 93 Chinese nationals and 11 Filipinos, were arrested on Thursday afternoon at the Ortigas Techno Point Building 2 in Pasig City after an operation against illegal online gambling.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said in its initial report that the Regional Special Operations Unit (RSOU) raid at the Finasia Tech Inc. was authorized after the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 146 issued a search warrant last November 15.

Finasia, which holds office on the second floor of the said building along Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, is represented by a certain Manuel “AJ” Pangilinan and Marie Espiritu.

The arrested suspects are believed to be operators of unauthorized online gambling platforms.  Several desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, identification cards, and other devices allegedly used in illegal gambling operations were confiscated by RSOU operatives.

Desktop and laptop computers, along with smartphones and other devices were also confiscated in the operation. PHOTO FROM NCRPO

The pieces of evidence were then forwarded to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Crime Group (ACG), which conducted forensic examination on the various gadgets.  According to NCRPO, ACG was able to obtain volatile data from the seized items.

The arrested suspects would be facing charges for violation of Section 6 (Committing crimes through communication technology) of R.A. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and P.D. 1602 or the Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling. /je

PHOTO FROM NCRPO

PHOTO FROM NCRPO