8 Chinese nabbed for illegal online gambling in Makati

“We conducted the police operation based on the search warrant following intelligence information regarding the presence of Chinese nationals engaging in illegal gambling,” Eleazar said. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Authorities arrested eight Chinese nationals engaged in illegal online gambling in Makati City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Friday.

NCRPO chief, Police Maj, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said suspects Chenchen Li, Yu Hong, Huimin Li, Jian Cai, Chijin Lei, Yaowli Xiong, Yufei Lin and Cun Peng, were arrested at 22 Briones St. San Lorenzo Village on Thursday, by virtue of a search warrant issued by Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 56 Judge Bonifacio Pascua.

“We conducted the police operation based on the search warrant following intelligence information regarding the presence of Chinese nationals engaging in illegal gambling,” Eleazar said.

The Metro Manila top cop said the foreigners have no license and necessary permits from the Makati City government and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to establish and conduct gambling operations.

The suspects will be charged with violating the cybercrime prevention law while the Bureau of Immigration is verifying their status in the country.

The raiding team recovered a number of high-end computers and internet routers believed used in the illegal activity.

Also confiscated during the search were laptops, modem, cellular phones and passports.

The suspects are now detained at the NCRPO headquarters in Bicutan, Taguig City for proper disposition and documentation

Eleazar acknowledged the reports and information coming from the public that are being used by the police force as the basis to conduct surveillance and operations.