PNP: P305 million seized in 2 POGO raids intact

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday denied allegations that P305 million in cash confiscated during raids on two Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) is missing.

At a press briefing, PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the P305 million seized from the raided POGOs remains intact in a safekeeping room at Camp Crame.

Of the amount, P187.8 million was recovered from Clark Sun Valley Hub Corp. in Pampanga and P117.1 million from Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. (formerly Hong Tai) in Las Piñas City.

Fajardo said the PNP is ready to present the money and follow any order of the court.

“These funds are intact and can be inspected upon request by the authorized parties,” she said.

“Reports of missing POGO money are false and misleading. The court will decide on the final disposition,” Fajardo added.

Police said eight foreign nationals were charged following the Sun Valley raid.

Seventeen foreigners are facing complaints in connection with the Hong Tai raid.

The PNP issued the statement amid allegations of unaccounted POGO money following the controversial raid on Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila on Oct. 29.

Fajardo maintained that the raid by personnel of the Anti-Cybercrime Group and National Capital Region Police Office on Vertex Technology at Century Peak Tower was valid.

Vertex Technology was allegedly involved in POGO, cryptocurrency and romance scams.

Fajardo clarified that while no cash was recovered during the Vertex operation, investigators discovered unopened safety vaults.

“The cyber warrant does not cover breaking open the vaults. So a separate warrant is required,” she said.

The PNP’s forensic examination of confiscated devices from Vertex is ongoing, Fajardo said.