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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Foreigner rescued from house used in online scam

Foreigner rescued from house used in online scam

Published Sep 22, 2023 11:14 am

CEBU CITY – A Chinese national was rescued from a house allegedly used by his compatriots as their hub for their online scam activities.

During the rescue operation, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Cebu District Office (NBI-CEBDO) also arrested Chinese national Dixon Zhang and Ian Naces, the Filipino driver of the suspects.  

Bienvenido Panican, executive officer for operation of NBI-CEBDO, said the operation stemmed from the complaint of a woman from Mandaue City who reported that her partner has been held “under detention” by his compatriots in a posh subdivision here.

Panican said the Chinese was successfully rescued around midnight on Tuesday, September 19.

The victim and his live-in partner asked not to be named for security reasons.

Panican said the victim had wanted to stop working in the online shopping firm that the suspects were running.

He said the victim was prevented from quitting and “continued working against his will.”

Aside from forcing him to work, the victim was also tortured, said Panican.

The victim bore burn injuries and there were indications that he was struck with a hard object. He also had injuries from electric shock.

During the rescue operation, the NBI-CEBDO found several computer sets in the house that were believed to have been used in the scam.

“The house was set up like a call center,” said Panican.

Panican said the suspects ran an online shop but once an item is paid by the customer, no delivery will be made.
The victims of the scam are all from China, said Panican.

Panican added each worker was given a sales quota of P2 million a month.

“If the quota is not met, that’s the time that abuses take place,” Panican said.

Serious illegal detention charges will be filed against the Chinese suspect.

Additional charges for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the election gun ban will also be filed against the Filipino driver after a .45 caliber pistol was recovered from his possession, Panican said.

Related Tags

Chinese national rescue operation National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cebu City online scam
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