POGOs masquerading as BPOs rampant in the Philippines: official
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) issued a stern warning about the increasing number of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) disguising themselves as business process outsourcing (BPO) companies.
This was revealed by PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz during an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s On Point.
Cruz highlighted a recent raid in Central One Bataan, where authorities discovered illegal offshore gaming operations masquerading as a legitimate BPO. The company had already denied its POGO links and claimed to provide IT technical support for online gaming companies abroad.
However, further investigation by PAOCC revealed its involvement in illegal gambling activities.
Illegal platforms found in Central One Bataan raid
During the raid, Cruz said that authorities found platforms such as Winbox and Atlas, which are used for illegal gambling activities, including sports betting and cryptocurrency transactions. These platforms are banned in several Southeast Asian countries but are still operational in the Philippines.
Cruz expressed confusion over how these operations were labeled as BPOs when they clearly fit the description of POGOs.
“We saw that there are Winbox and Altas. And these Winbox and Altas are illegal platforms,” he noted.
The raid has also drawn international attention, particularly from Malaysia and Indonesia, where authorities have traced illegal gambling operations back to Philippine-based platforms.
Certification from PAGCOR missing
Cruz also pointed out that the company in question lacked the necessary licenses from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), further raising suspicions about its legitimacy.
Despite claims from local officials that it was a legitimate BPO, Cruz emphasized that PAGCOR had certified that the company did not have the required permits to operate as a POGO.
“We took certification with PAGCOR, and PAGCOR issued a certification that they really don’t have a license,” Cruz stated.
Growing concern over POGOs disguising as BPOs
Cruz noted that this is not an isolated incident and warned that many other supposed BPOs across the country might be operating under similar pretenses. He revealed that PAOCC has received numerous intelligence reports about other companies engaging in similar practices.
“There were BPOs masquerading themselves as POGOs. We received a lot of intel reports,” Cruz said.
PAOCC is currently monitoring 260 more entities suspected of operating illegally under the guise of BPOs, with efforts underway to crack down on these operations nationwide.
Impact on workers and national reputation
Cruz acknowledged that shutting down these operations could lead to job displacement for workers employed at these companies but stressed the importance of addressing illegal activities.
He also raised concerns about how these operations are damaging the Philippines’ international reputation, particularly in Southeast Asia, where illegal gambling addiction is a growing issue.
As investigations continue, Cruz emphasized that legal action will be taken against those responsible for running illegal POGO operations disguised as BPOs.
Earlier this year, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a nationwide ban on POGOs due to their involvement in various criminal activities, including money laundering and human trafficking. This announcement was officially enforced through an executive order issued on November 8, 2024.
