Philippines– Five foreign nationals are now in government custody after immigration agents stormed a condominium in Parañaque City suspected of housing an online scam operation. The June 17 raid hit a unit inside Sapphire Seaview Park, where authorities believe a “LOVE SCAM” ring tricked victims through fake online relationships and cryptocurrency schemes. Those arrested came from China, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
According to a press release from the Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph), the operation was carried out in the early morning hours following intelligence reports flagging the property as a base for fraudulent online activity. The crackdown supports a wider government push against transnational crime involving foreign nationals.
Who Was Arrested
Immigration officers took five suspects into custody after verification allegedly showed they had broken Philippine immigration laws. The detainees were identified as:
- Tang Shun – Chinese national
- Chia Kong Loon – Malaysian national
- Kum Htoi – Burmese national
- Myo Oo – Burmese national
- Kyaw Tint Lwin – Burmese national
Inside the Suspected Scam Hub
Investigators say the condo was being used to run deceptive online schemes that preyed on unsuspecting victims, often by faking romance to lure them into handing over money through crypto-linked transactions.
The probe took a darker turn when reports surfaced that some workers tied to the operation were allegedly being kept from leaving the premises. That detail pushed authorities to dig deeper. During the raid, one of the foreigners reportedly admitted that several units in the building were being used for the same illegal work, leading agents straight to the five suspects.
BI Chief Sends a Warning
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrests show the bureau will not tolerate foreigners who abuse their welcome in the country.
“Foreign nationals who abuse their stay in the Philippines by engaging in fraudulent schemes and other unlawful activities will face the full consequences of our immigration laws,” Viado said. He added that the bureau will keep going after those who exploit Filipino hospitality and will work hand in hand with law enforcement to shut down such operations.
What Happens Next
After their arrest, the five foreigners were taken to the BI main office for processing and documentation. They were later moved to the bureau’s holding facility, where they now wait for deportation and other immigration proceedings to run their course.