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Massive Raid In Makati Busts Foreign-Run Scam Hub - 82 Chinese Among 86 Nabbed
Photo credit: BI
In what looked like an ordinary condo in Makati, a full-blown online scam operation was actually underway—until the Bureau of Immigration (BI) stepped in.
Last April 10, authorities raided a condominium along Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Brgy. Pio del Pilar and arrested 86 foreign nationals suspected of being involved in illegal online scamming activities. Among those apprehended were 82 Chinese nationals, 3 Malaysians, and 1 Vietnamese.
The operation was led by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) with the help of the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, NCR Field Unit (CIDG-NCRFU). This raid wasn’t a random check—it stemmed from a disturbing tip: a Chinese national managed to send a distress message via WhatsApp, claiming he was being held against his will and not allowed to leave the premises.
Further investigation revealed a well-oiled scamming machine: the foreign workers were allegedly forced to operate love and e-commerce scams. Victims were targeted through dating apps and fake online orders, tricked into sending money with the promise of romance or goods that never existed.
During the raid, authorities found rows of computer stations inside the condo unit, manned by the foreign nationals who couldn’t present any legal documents to justify their stay or employment in the Philippines.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado didn’t mince words. “This operation highlights the continuing threat posed by illegal aliens who exploit digital platforms to scam and defraud innocent victims across borders,” he said.
He emphasized that this is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to crack down on foreign nationals involved in illegal activities. “Working here without proper papers and committing crimes is a serious breach of our laws and national security,” Viado added.
All 86 individuals are currently being processed and booked, with plans to transfer them to the BI Warden’s Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig. From there, deportation proceedings will begin.
The BI also urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities involving foreigners who might be involved in shady operations. Looks like that “quiet” condo in Makati was hiding more than just residents—it was hiding a digital scam empire.
Last April 10, authorities raided a condominium along Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Brgy. Pio del Pilar and arrested 86 foreign nationals suspected of being involved in illegal online scamming activities. Among those apprehended were 82 Chinese nationals, 3 Malaysians, and 1 Vietnamese.
The operation was led by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) with the help of the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, NCR Field Unit (CIDG-NCRFU). This raid wasn’t a random check—it stemmed from a disturbing tip: a Chinese national managed to send a distress message via WhatsApp, claiming he was being held against his will and not allowed to leave the premises.
Further investigation revealed a well-oiled scamming machine: the foreign workers were allegedly forced to operate love and e-commerce scams. Victims were targeted through dating apps and fake online orders, tricked into sending money with the promise of romance or goods that never existed.
During the raid, authorities found rows of computer stations inside the condo unit, manned by the foreign nationals who couldn’t present any legal documents to justify their stay or employment in the Philippines.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado didn’t mince words. “This operation highlights the continuing threat posed by illegal aliens who exploit digital platforms to scam and defraud innocent victims across borders,” he said.
He emphasized that this is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to crack down on foreign nationals involved in illegal activities. “Working here without proper papers and committing crimes is a serious breach of our laws and national security,” Viado added.
All 86 individuals are currently being processed and booked, with plans to transfer them to the BI Warden’s Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig. From there, deportation proceedings will begin.
The BI also urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities involving foreigners who might be involved in shady operations. Looks like that “quiet” condo in Makati was hiding more than just residents—it was hiding a digital scam empire.
Apr 16, 2025
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