Seventeen Chinese nationals were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after a raid on a resort in Tagaytay City allegedly used as a hub for illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

According to the NBI, the operation was initially aimed at rescuing a Chinese national who was being held captive by his compatriots at the resort.

The victim had been subjected to two weeks of torture, including electric shock, before a friend reported the incident to authorities.

The victim’s passport was also confiscated to prevent his escape.

Upon inspecting the premises, agents discovered the 17 Chinese nationals involved in various scams, including catfishing, credit card, cryptocurrency, and fake investment schemes.

Authorities seized cellphones, SIM cards, computers, and scripts used in the scams.

The arrested Chinese nationals face charges of violating the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.