MAKATI – Authorities have raided an alleged offshore gaming and scam operation in the country’s financial district, seizing evidence linked to suspected cryptocurrency fraud.

A team led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), along with police and cybercrime investigators, raided several floors of the PBCom Tower in Makati City on Thursday evening. However, an estimated 600 foreign workers—mostly Chinese nationals—fled the premises before officers arrived.

By the time authorities reached PBCom Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the area, the suspects were already gone. However, signs of recent activity were evident—warm tea left behind, computers still running, and security logs indicating workers had been there just two hours earlier.

Despite their escape, authorities discovered a trove of materials believed to be used in fraudulent activities, including computers, SIM cards, hard drives, OTP generators, and scripted messages for investment scams. Investigators suspect the site was being used for fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, including Bitcoin and Ethereum scams.

Scamming Center with 21 Different Companies

Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz of the PAOCC described the operation as “a scamming center,” revealing that 21 different companies were operating within the building under separate names.

“Our intel here is that it is actually operating as a POGO, a scamming center. That’s 21 companies, with different [company] names and with different names of the owner,” Cruz said.

“What we are looking for here is more than 600 foreigners. But they must have sensed our operation, that is why they were no longer here when we arrived,” Cruz added, stating that 600 foreigners had been working on different floors inside PBCom Tower.

Hub Linked to POGOs, PAOCC Vows More Raids

Authorities believe the hub was once home to pioneers of offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in 2017—businesses that were once licensed for online gambling but are now banned by the Philippine government due to concerns over money laundering and human trafficking.

Despite an executive order banning POGOs in November 2024, law enforcement agencies continue to uncover illegal operations. Officials say the groups have adapted by setting up smaller, harder-to-detect “guerrilla-style” hubs.

The Makati raid follows similar busts in other provinces, including a major POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, and another site in Silang, Cavite, in January.

Many offshore gaming operators have since moved to undisclosed locations as the government vows to continue its crackdown, with PAOCC officials warning that more raids are expected in the coming weeks.

📷 PAOCC