12 KOREANS NABBED IN ANGELES CITY ‘ONLINE SCAM HUB’ RAID

BY KEVIN GALANG

TWELVE South Korean nationals, including two alleged fugitives, on Wednesday were arrested in a raid at a suspected online scamming hub in Bgy.  Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga.

In a report submitted to newly-installed Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jose B. Mendez, the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) said the operation was carried out by members of the Bureau of Immigration-Intelligence Division Special Response Team (BI-ID SRT) at a residence and office located at M-Town Village in Bgy. Pampang.

The primary target of the raid was alias “Jae,” 33, a South Korean national.

Alias “Jae” and 11 other Korean nationals were arrested during the operation.

Police said immigration intelligence operatives led by Special Response Team head Maristela Mempin-Gandamra acted on a validated information indicating the presence of an alleged scamming operation targeting fellow Korean nationals and other foreign victims.

During surveillance, suspect “Jae” was reportedly seen leaving his residence and heading toward an office within the same village.

Operatives maintained continuous monitoring and conducted a lawful hot pursuit to prevent possible escape before implementing the mission order at the office premises.

Upon entering the establishment, authorities discovered the foreign nationals stationed at individual work areas and operating computer equipment allegedly used in fraudulent online activities.

According to investigators, the operational setup, including multiple workstations and ongoing digital transactions, matched intelligence reports describing a scam hub engaged in online fraud schemes.

Immigration officers immediately verified the suspects identities and immigration status.

Subsequent checks revealed that two of the Korean nationals had existing derogatory records and were classified as fugitives for violations under Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended.

The arrested individuals were transported to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office for booking, documentation, and further investigation.

Authorities said appropriate immigration and criminal proceedings are being prepared against the arrested foreign nationals, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the alleged scam operations and identify possible victims.

Law enforcement agencies reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against transnational crimes and illegal activities involving foreign nationals operating within Central Luzon.