Philippines arrests 244 in largest POGO online scam crackdown
Philippine authorities have arrested 244 foreign nationals in a major crackdown on illegal online gaming operations known as POGOs. The government is investigating the sites for links to human trafficking, money laundering, and various forms of fraud.
Why it matters
This operation highlights the ongoing regional struggle to dismantle organized crime syndicates that exploit vulnerable individuals through forced labor and digital scams.
Large quantities of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops and SIM cards were seized by the authorities.
Listen Summarise Philippine authorities arrested 244 foreign workers in their largest crackdown on illegal online gaming operators, known as POGOs, accused of human trafficking and other crimes. Raids in Mindanao seized computer equipment and detained mostly Chinese nationals, alongside Cambodians, Malaysians, Indonesians and Myanmar citizens. The government is investigating human trafficking allegations and plans to deport those arrested, emphasising strict enforcement of immigration laws to stop illegal activities. AI generated
MANILA – Philippines authorities arrested more than 200 “mostly Chinese” foreign workers in the country’s largest crackdown on illegal online gaming operators in 2026, the immigration bureau said.
Manila banned Philippine online gaming operators, known locally as POGOs, in 2024 on the grounds that organised crime groups used them as a cover for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings and murder.
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