Two Chinese Nationals Arrested in Parañaque for Massive Illegal Online Gambling Scheme

BI’s Fugitive Search Unit nabs fugitives linked to offshore gambling platforms accused of defrauding nearly half a million players.

Two Chinese nationals wanted in their home country for large-scale illegal online gambling activities have been arrested in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

According to a report from Inquirer.net, agents from the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) Fugitive Search Unit apprehended 38-year-old Wu Haifu and 48-year-old Li Yong on 2 December after close coordination with Chinese law enforcement authorities.

Official records show that Wu is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Binzhou Public Security Bureau earlier this year, in January 2025, for running illegal casino operations. Li, reportedly acting as Wu’s assistant, is also facing an active arrest warrant in China.

Investigators revealed that Wu had previously worked for a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) but failed to leave the country after the national ban on the industry was imposed. His continued stay placed him on the BI’s derogatory list, prompting further surveillance.

Authorities allege that Wu and his accomplices created several offshore gambling platforms that aggressively targeted Chinese nationals through online advertising. These platforms reportedly imposed strict and unreasonable withdrawal conditions and manipulated wagering mechanics to prolong playtime, compelling users to keep betting until they lost substantial amounts of money.

The illegal scheme is believed to have victimised around 500,000 players and generated approximately RMB 8.6 million (US$1.2 million) in illicit profit.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reiterated the government’s firm stance against offshore gambling operations, stressing that enforcement efforts will remain uncompromising.

“We will not allow POGO operations to take root in our country again. If you are involved in illegal gaming, we will find you, arrest you, and remove you from the Philippines,” he said.

Both suspects are currently in custody while deportation proceedings are underway. They are expected to be turned over to Chinese authorities once all legal processes are completed.