NBI nabs 12 Chinese nationals for illegal online gambling

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) building. (INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve Chinese nationals were arrested in Bacolor, Pampanga for illegal online gambling, the National Bureau of Investigation said on Thursday.

NBI Director Dante Gierran identified the suspects as Chen Ya Ting, Chen Chengang, Sun Qiao Yan, Wei Bing, Lei Shi Feng, Gao Cheng Feng, Lin Jin, Wang Hai Tao, Wu Cheng Pin, Ruan Cheng Hui, Gao Fei and Chen Long Xi.

The NBI-Cybercrime Division received an intelligence report last Nov. 29 concerning illegal online gambling activities conducted by Chinese nationals, such as illegal numbers game and an online casino without license from government agencies.

Last Dec. 11, the Regional Trial Court of Capas, Tarlac issued a warrant search, seize and examine computer data against the tenants of 22 11-B Phase 1-4, Mangosteen St., Trinidad Village, Barangay Calibutbut in Pampanga.

During the operation, NBI said, however, that one of the target suspects Chen Hao Ran was missing in the area.

Seized from the said address were 15 mobile phones, 11 desktop computer workstations, two laptop computer workstations, two routers and two modem enhancers.

The Chinese nationals were brought to the Department of Justice for inquest for violating the Anti-Illegal Gambling Act and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. /atm