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2 Chinese nationals 'operating a scam hub' arrested; 2 Malaysians rescued -- BI

Philippines | National

2 Chinese nationals 'operating a scam hub' arrested; 2 Malaysians rescued -- BI

By Jeffrey Damicog

Two Chinese nationals were arrested and two Malaysians were rescued in Quiapo, Manila from an alleged scam hub that targeted foreigners, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

In a statement, the BI identified the two Chinese nationals as Wang Huihuang, 30, and Liu Lin, 35. The rescued Malaysians were not identified.

It said its Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) arrested the two Chinese nationals last Friday, Sept. 12, in a residential building along Gonzalo Puyat Street in Quiapo.

During the operation, the BI said the two Chinese nationals were caught “operating online workstations consisting of six computer units actively linked to dating sites, multiple social media accounts, messaging platforms, translators, and other applications.”

It said the arrested suspects used the platforms to deceive victims by feigning romantic relationships with them with the aim of swindling money. The “love scam” operations targeted European and Japanese nationals, it added.

The BI said the arrested Chinese nationals, who were found overstaying aliens, are now detained at its facility, while the two Malaysians have been turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Malaysian Embassy for investigation and assistance.

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