6 Koreans, 15 Pinoys caught operating Pogo hub

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities said they have arrested six Koreans and 15 Filipinos on Monday for allegedly operating a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said the suspected Pogo hub was operating in one of the rooms in the basement of the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

A group of Koreans engaged in online gaming was targeting Korean nationals, according to intelligence information received by authorities. They were also allegedly involved in game fixing and online scamming, the PAOCC said.

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The Bureau of Immigration, the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and Pasay City police took part in the raid.

Those arrested may face various charges, including violations of the Securities Regulation Code, Illegal Gambling in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, Money Laundering and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, among others, the PAOCC said.

Smaller Pogo operations continue despite the Dec. 31, 2024, deadline imposed by President Marcos for their shutdown nationwide. —Frances Mangosing