84 deported for alleged links to offshore gambling in the Philippines

Those deported were arrested in raids on alleged illegal offshore gaming operators.

The Philippines.- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reported that 84 Chinese nationals (75 men and nine women) have been deported for alleged links to illegal offshore gaming operators. Deportation proceedings were carried out in a joint operation with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

Gilbert Cruz, PAOCC executive director, said those deported were arrested in a series of raids at Zun Yuan Technology in Bamban, Tarlac; 3D Analyzer Information Tech in Pasay City; Dayign Leisure Guodian Technology in Parañaque City; and a makeshift scam farm in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. According to the BI, the deportees were undocumented and working without the necessary permits.

BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said: “This operation reflects our strong resolve to implement President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down illegal offshore gaming operators and remove foreign nationals who violate our immigration laws. We are grateful to the PAOCC and the Chinese Embassy for their seamless coordination throughout the process.

“This is a stern warning to all illegal foreign operators—we are watching, and we will act decisively. The Bureau will continue to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies to protect the integrity of our borders.”

The BI has banned deportation flights with layovers for foreign offshore gaming workers. Under BI Board of Commissioners Resolution No. 2025-002, deported foreign nationals with alleged links to offshore gaming operators must be placed on direct flights to their countries of origin unless a direct route from the Philippines is unavailable.

See also: Philippine government vetoes citizenship application allegedly linked to offshore gaming