NBI raids suspected scam hub in Subic; 230 persons taken into custody

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has taken into custody 230 individuals during a raid on a suspected scam hub in Subic, Zambales, with authorities still determining who among them may be victims of human trafficking and who may face criminal charges. 

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said investigators recovered the passports of the individuals, along with high-tech communication devices allegedly used in the illegal operation. 

He noted that employers withholding workers’ passports could indicate possible human trafficking.

“And alam niyo ’yan, pagka hawak-hawak ng employer ’yung passports, that’s a clear sign of human trafficking,” Matibag said.

According to Matibag, the suspected scam hub allegedly targeted victims in the United States, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other countries.

Matibag identified the alleged operator as a Chinese-Vietnamese national using a Filipino name, who remains at large.

“The operator is a Chinese-Vietnamese national who’s using a Filipino name, pero he is at large, at ngayon we are investigating, and as we speak right now, pino-process pa rin natin,” he said.

The operation stemmed from an intelligence report received by the NBI, followed by surveillance and the securing of a warrant to search for and seize electronic devices. 

Investigators are also looking into how long the operation has been running. Matibag said authorities had located an established office and identified a Filipina who allegedly served as its human resources manager.

The NBI director described the recent discovery of suspected scam hubs in several areas as alarming, citing operations in Zamboanga Sibugay, Subic, Parañaque, and Pasay. The bureau is investigating the possibility that some of these operations may be linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). 

“Very alarming what’s happening right now actually. Zamboanga Sibugay, tapos itong ngayon, then two previous days meron kami rin dito sa Parañaque, Pasay. So puro mga scam hub ’to, and we’re looking into the possibility ng POGO,” Matibag said.

Investigators are also examining the possibility that the Subic facility was being used as a troll farm, including the alleged use of gadgets capable of sending mass text messages and IMSI catchers. 

The NBI is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to determine whether immigration violations may have been committed by the foreign nationals involved.

“Well, kasama ’yun. ’Yun ’yung isang tinitingnan natin. So we’re in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration,” Matibag said. 

The bureau is likewise looking into the possible accountability of local officials, given the facility’s location within Subic Port.

Asked whether the operation had been conducted in plain sight, Matibag said legitimate business processing offices could make it difficult to distinguish lawful operations from illegal activities without sufficient intelligence. 

“Well, you can say that na parang open secret ’yan, ’no. Syempre meron naman kasing mga legitimate na business processing office. So hindi natin alam until meron tayong mga information at mga intel report na papasok,” he said.

The NBI continues to process the 230 individuals to establish their respective roles, identify possible victims, and determine the appropriate charges against those found liable. 

Investigators are also examining the hub’s possible links to other illegal operations.