DOJ to sue 27 Chinese in Pasay cybercrime hub

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against 27 Chinese in a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Pasay City allegedly involved in cybercrimes, a DOJ official said yesterday.

The Chinese, who were among 650 persons arrested during a raid on Rivendell Global Support Inc. on Aug. 1, will be charged with violating provisions of the Securities Regulations Code, Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said.

The foreigners were among those presented for inquest proceedings on Aug. 3. Ty did not specify the provisions violated under Republic Act 8799. He also did not identify those to be charged in court.

The DOJ earlier said those subjected to inquest proceedings included 21 foreigners and 91 Filipinos.

The Filipinos were released for further investigation of the charges against them, Ty said.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has canceled the registration of Rivendell and its sister establishments in the country.

Tasking, recharging scams

In a separate statement, the DOJ said authorities “uncovered compelling evidence” that Rivendell is involved in “tasking and recharging scams.”

Tasking scams exploit individuals seeking online job opportunities by offering payment for the completion of tasks, while recharging scams involve unauthorized mobile or online payments for services that are never delivered.

The suspects allegedly posed as investors, “guides or helpers” to entice clients into making investments in stocks and cryptocurrency, promising lucrative returns, the DOJ said.

The suspects also introduced investment opportunities in gaming applications, where deposited funds were claimed to yield specific returns based on the investment amount.

“It has also been established that the company engaged in selling stocks and securities without proper registration, thereby violating the law,” the justice department said.

The DOJ said these activities violate Section 28.1 of RA 8799.