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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, or PAGCOR, has taken action against an offshore gaming provider in Las Pinas City that is suspected of being involved in criminal activity.
PAGCOR sent a Show Cause Order to its authorized representative, ordering Xinchuang Network Technology, Inc. to provide a detailed explanation of its defenses to the allegations against the company, and the reasons why it should not be cancelled its Certificate of Accreditation.
PAGCOR also ordered Xinchuang Network Technology, Inc., to cease and desist from all offshore gambling activities pending completion of the PNP investigation.
After nearly a full month of surveillance inside the facility, the PNP Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) raided the office of offshore gaming service provider on June 26 2023. According to Brigadier-General Sidney Hernia of the ACG, the ACG placed Xinchuang on surveillance in early June after receiving a number of reports regarding alleged criminal activity inside the operating site.
Information and evidence gathered by authorities links Xinchuang with possible involvement in human smuggling, cryptocurrency scams and love scams among other illegal activities.
The raid resulted in the rescue of 1,534 Filipinos and more than 1,000 foreigners, including those from China, Vietnam Indonesia, Thailand Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore. The ACG handed over the foreign nationals to their respective embassies.
The raid seized computer units, SIM Cards, mobile phones and passports, which will be all subjected to an investigation.
PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco reiterated PAGCOR’s stance against illegal activities linked to offshore gambling.
“We condemn all criminal activity that violates Philippine laws and human right – regardless nationality. PAGCOR, as we have said in the past, will not hesitate to sanction licensees who violate Philippine laws and human rights. We will also continue to work with our law enforcement partners to enforce responsible, regulated gaming,” said he.
