Philippines uncovers illegal gambling, labor trafficking in Bataan BPO company
BATAAN, PHILIPPINES — A joint operation by law enforcement agencies uncovered an illegal gambling operation masquerading as a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm in Bagac, Bataan.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and Special Action Forces led the raid last October 31.
International gambling platform links
Central One Bataan PH Incorporated was found to be using the online betting platform Winbox, which is banned in several countries due to its links to cryptocurrency scams.
“It’s a gambling app, a gambling platform banned in many countries…because it is a hub for cryptocurrency scamming,” PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said in a statement.
During the raid, authorities discovered rows of computers and mobile devices used to manage millions of pesos worth of bets weekly.
CIDG Chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III confirmed that the operation was providing back-end support for illegal gambling activities.
“Based on our initial investigation, we believe we will have a very airtight case against the suspects,” said Region 3 Police Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan.
Labor trafficking complaints sparked investigation
The raid was initiated after authorities received complaints of labor trafficking involving Filipino workers. PAOCC officials also found 42 foreign nationals inside the compound who claimed they were unable to leave.
“There were indications of labor trafficking here,” Casio added. The foreign nationals, including individuals from China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand, will undergo immigration profiling.
Among those arrested was an Indonesian team leader who was accused of scamming activities in his home country. He is suspected of manipulating games on the gambling platform.
Prior inspections found no irregularities
Before the raid, Central One Bataan had already undergone inspections by the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) and local government officials. Both parties reported no irregularities at the time.
In fact, AFAB even granted the company a license to operate interactive gaming last June.
In a statement released to INQUIRER.net, AFAB confirmed that Central One Bataan was a registered enterprise within its jurisdiction. However, the company was not registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which oversees legal gambling operations in the country.
AFAB assured the public that it would take all necessary steps to align with the findings of the ongoing investigation and adhere to legal standards.
Arrests and worker profiling underway
Initial reports from PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio suggested that up to 600 Filipino workers and 300 foreign nationals were employed at the compound. However, during the raid, authorities found only 358 Filipinos and 57 foreigners on-site.
Casio explained that some workers might have been off-duty during the raid, stating, “Maybe they’re on shifting, so the others weren’t in the compound. Of course, they won’t come back, it’s already been raided.”
The foreign nationals will be transferred to PAOCC’s facility in Pasay City for further immigration profiling and will undergo an inquest for potential immigration law violations.
Meanwhile, Filipino workers will be allowed to return home after their biometrics are recorded.
BPOs used as cover for illegal gambling operations
PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz warned that scam hubs may be using BPOs as a cover following the government’s crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“They claim to be BPOs, but that’s just a cover. Actually, they are also doing illegal activities,” Cruz stated.
As investigations into Central One Bataan progress, law enforcement agencies are preparing to file charges related to illegal online gambling and labor trafficking. The raid represents a significant step in cracking down on such operations in the region.
Despite these developments, Central One Bataan’s chief executive officer, Norman Chaw, has denied all allegations against the company. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence as they proceed with their case.
Outsource Accelerator is reaching out to Chaw and Central One Bataan for further comment. We will update this article once we receive a statement from the company.
