Fugitives wanted over illegal online gambling arrested in the Philippines

Investigators allege the suspects operated offshore platforms in breach of the Philippines’ ban.

The Philippines.- The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two Chinese nationals over their alleged role in an illegal online gambling operation that targeted Chinese players. Coordination between the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit and Chinese law enforcement led to the arrests of 38-year-old Wu Haifu and 48-year-old Li Yong Parañaque City.

Wu is the subject of an arrest warrant issued in January 2025 by the Binzhou Public Security Bureau for the illegal operation of casinos, while Li, was wanted on related charges. The pair were located in Barangay Tambo and have been detained pending deportation proceedings.

The BI said that Wu previously worked for an offshore gaming operator but did not leave the country after the government banned the industry late last year. Investigators allege that Wu and his accomplices created multiple overseas gambling platforms that reportedly imposed excessive withdrawal requirements and manipulated betting conditions to prolong gameplay and increase wagering frequency.

Authorities estimate that around 500,000 players were victimised by the network, which allegedly generated RMB8.6m (US$1.2m) in illicit revenue.

Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reiterated the BI’s enforcement of the ban on offshore gaming. He said: “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.”

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Investigators allege the suspects operated offshore platforms in breach of the Philippines’ ban. The Philippines.- The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two Chinese nationals over their alleged role…