Philippine authorities apprehended Lyu Dong, a Chinese national and the alleged mastermind behind illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) on Thursday. The arrest occurred in a residential area in Biñan, Laguna, following an eight-month investigation led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
Lyu Dong is accused of running extensive scam operations across Central Luzon, specifically in scam hubs located in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga. His capture resulted from joint efforts by law enforcement agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Authorities believe Lyu Dong, who operated under the alias Lin Xunhan, has been active in the Philippines since 2016, building a vast network of scam hubs disguised as legitimate businesses. His illicit operations spanned five regions in the country, making him a notorious figure among POGO operators.
Despite several law enforcement raids, many of his illegal gaming ventures continued to thrive, posing challenges for authorities. Key establishments linked to him include Lucky South 99 in Porac and Hongsheng/Zun Yuan in Bamban, further cementing his involvement in the illegal gaming industry.
While Lyu Dong’s name does not appear in official company records for these POGOs, a PAOCC report identifies him as a key player behind the scenes, using legal business fronts to conceal his criminal activities. His network reportedly extends across major areas, including Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, and Cebu. His arrest is seen as a major victory in the fight against illegal POGOs, which have been linked to human trafficking and other serious crimes.
Impact of the arrest: Associates also taken into custody
In addition to Lyu Dong’s arrest, 13 Chinese nationals were apprehended during the operation, with firearms found in their possession, adding to the criminal charges against them. Notable associates of Lyu, such as Zhang Jie, president of Lucky South 99, were also implicated. Zhang was arrested in Laguna, though it remains uncertain if this is the same individual involved in aiding key POGO suspects’ escape.
Ongoing investigations into human trafficking linked to these POGOs have yet to capture key figures like Duanren Wu and Huang Zhiyang, believed to be co-incorporators in scam operations. Both are wanted in the Philippines and China. Lyu Dong’s arrest has given authorities hope that he will provide valuable information about these criminal operations and the protectors behind them.
This crackdown marks a pivotal moment in the Philippine government’s efforts to dismantle illegal POGO operations and address the wide-ranging crimes connected to them. In July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the total ban of POGO in the country and ceased all legal ang illegal operations by the end of the year.
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