Philippines Authorities Intensify Efforts Targeting POGOs
Highlights
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The government has directed police to step up patrols and intelligence operations against unlicensed gambling operators.
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POGO was actively involved in cyber fraud, including online love and crypto scams that led to the ban in 2024.
The Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) 18 months ago. Despite the government ban, there still exist traces of illegal activity in the region. This is the reason why the Philippine National Police agency has ordered law enforcement to step up its campaign to crush remaining POGOs.
Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr, acting PNP chief, issued a statement on Monday that reads, “I have already instructed concerned police offices to intensify patrols along backdoor routes that may be exploited by syndicates to continue their illegal POGO operations”.
Especially dating back to the early 2000s, the offshore operators featured online casino games, sports betting and lottery play to customers outside the Philippines, mainly referring to China, where gambling was strictly prohibited. Even in 2023, it contributed around US$570 million, which includes both direct and indirect revenue for the country.
However, things took a drastic turnaround after revelations of POGOs being a scam centre were made, and they actually profited from cyberfraud, including online love and crypto scams. This led to their ban in 2024.
For more information, Refer Here!
Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr, acting PNP chief, issued a statement on Monday that reads, “I have already instructed concerned police offices to intensify patrols along backdoor routes that may be exploited by syndicates to continue their illegal POGO operations”.
Especially dating back to the early 2000s, the offshore operators featured online casino games, sports betting and lottery play to customers outside the Philippines, mainly referring to China, where gambling was strictly prohibited. Even in 2023, it contributed around US$570 million, which includes both direct and indirect revenue for the country.
However, things took a drastic turnaround after revelations of POGOs being a scam centre were made, and they actually profited from cyberfraud, including online love and crypto scams. This led to their ban in 2024.
For more information, Refer Here!
