BI arrests 5 foreigners in Parañaque love scam raid

MANILA, Philippines — Five foreign nationals were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over their involvement in alleged online scam activities in Parañaque City, the agency said on Tuesday.

According to the BI, authorities conducted an operation in a condominium complex in Sapphire Seaview Park last June 17 after receiving reports that the location is associated with an alleged “love scam” operation. This led to the arrest of Chinese national Tang Shun, Malaysian man Chia Kong Loon, and Burmese nationals Kum Htoi, Myo Oo, and Kyaw Tint Lwin.

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“According to intelligence information received by the BI, the location was allegedly being used for fraudulent online activities. Authorities also received reports that some workers connected to the operation were being restricted from freely leaving the premises, prompting further investigation,” the BI said in a press release.

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“During the operation, one of the foreign nationals reportedly disclosed information indicating that multiple condominium units were being utilized for unlawful work-related activities. This led to the apprehension of the five foreign nationals,” the BI added.

The agency also said that the foreigners were brought to the BI main office and later transferred to the BI holding facility pending their deportation proceedings.

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With this arrest, BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned that foreigners who will engage in illegal activities will face their consequences.

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“Foreign nationals who abuse their stay in the Philippines by engaging in fraudulent schemes and other unlawful activities will face the full consequences of our immigration laws. We will continue to pursue those who exploit our hospitality for criminal purposes and work closely with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these operations,” Viado said in the same press release. /das

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