BI Arrests Japanese, Chinese Nationals Linked to Scam Hub in Pampanga

BI Arrests Japanese, Chinese Nationals Linked to Scam Hub in Pampanga

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 23, 2026

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga | MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is intensifying efforts to dismantle transnational crime syndicates operating in the Philippines, arresting foreign nationals allegedly involved in telecommunications fraud, online gaming scams, and “crypto love scams,” while simultaneously rescuing trafficked Filipino citizens forced to participate in these illicit operations. This crackdown follows the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has prioritized combating transnational crime.

Pampanga Raid Uncovers Scam Hub, Nets Japanese and Chinese Nationals

On February 18, BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr., and Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 3 (RIOU-3) operatives, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), executed an enforcement operation in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga.

The raid followed intelligence reports indicating that the location was being used as a base for telecommunications fraud, online gaming fraud, and a potential kidnapping-for-extortion scheme.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals: Japanese nationals Oi Riho, 27, Moriyama Yu, 31, and Kato Hiroaki, 42, along with Chinese national Wang Xinyu, 32.

Authorities reported that the individuals failed to produce passports or valid identification documents, revealing Oi and Kato to be overstaying and undocumented aliens.

Moriyama was cited for harboring illegal aliens and for being undocumented, while Wang faces charges of overstaying, being undocumented, and being undesirable.

“Two Japanese-looking females attempted to board a vehicle to evade arrest, which was immediately intercepted by agents in the area,” the BI report stated.

During subsequent investigations conducted in the presence of representatives from the Japanese Embassy, the arrested individuals denied involvement in kidnapping and extortion.

However, they admitted to participating in scamming activities and online gaming fraud operations allegedly based in Angeles City. Intelligence further identified Wang as the alleged logistics head of the scam hub, responsible for training personnel and managing operational requirements.

The individuals were informed of their constitutional rights and subsequently transferred to the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

BI Flags “Crypto Love Scam” as 24 Filipinos Repatriated from Cambodia

Simultaneously, the BI is grappling with a growing trend of Filipinos being trafficked to foreign countries, particularly Cambodia, to work in “crypto love scam” operations.

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, twenty-four Filipinos arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 after being repatriated from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado revealed that the repatriated individuals, mostly in their twenties, were lured by online job advertisements promising high salaries for roles as “love scammers” or “love finders” in digital marketing.

“This is not legitimate employment. This is organized fraud with international victims. We will not allow our country to be used as a recruitment ground for global scam operations,” Viado stated.

According to the BI, the victims were forced to engage foreign nationals, primarily from the United States and European countries, through online dating platforms. They were then instructed to redirect their targets to cryptocurrency investment schemes and online casino links via messaging applications.

Initial investigations revealed that 16 of the individuals left the country as tourists, two exited through irregular migration channels (“backdoor”), and six left as overseas Filipino workers.

One female victim was reportedly deployed to Brunei, where she was similarly forced to communicate with targets through online dating applications.

The BI alleges that the illegal operation involves persuading targets to transfer funds under the pretense of investment opportunities and romantic commitments.

BI Vows to Intensify Crackdown, Warns Foreign Criminals

Commissioner Viado issued a strong warning against foreign nationals who exploit Philippine territory for criminal enterprises.

“We will not allow the Philippines to be used as a breeding ground for scam hubs, kidnapping schemes, and transnational fraud operations,” Viado declared. “Foreign syndicates who think they can hide behind tourist visas or expired documents should think again. We are working closely with foreign governments and local law enforcement, and we will hunt you down.”

He added that operations against foreign-led scam networks will continue nationwide as part of the government’s intensified campaign against organized transnational crime. The BI is also enhancing intelligence-sharing efforts with local and international counterparts to identify and pursue facilitators, financiers, and recruiters involved in trafficking Filipinos to scam hubs abroad.