Filthy Scam Gangs Busted: Victims Forced Into 18-Hour Online Hustles
Victims Trapped in Global Online Scam Web
Michelle Sabino, spokesperson for the Philippine national police’s anti-cybercrime team, revealed a shocking scam operation. Victims, mostly Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipinos, and Indonesians, were recruited to run online cons targeting innocent people across the US, Europe, and Canada.
Exhausted and Exploited: 18-Hour Days With Pay Cuts
The trafficked workers were forced to toil up to 18 hours daily. They faced salary deductions if they took breaks or even chatted with colleagues. Sabino confirmed that authorities have arrested at least 12 alleged ringleaders, who now face human trafficking charges.
Fake Romance Lures and Cryptocurrency Traps
The victims were trained to create fake romantic fronts, tricking strangers into buying cryptocurrency or funneling money into bogus bank accounts. The traffickers dangled false promises of a bright future to keep their captives under control.
Warnings Amid Southeast Asia Sports Fest
The scam bust comes as Cambodia hosts the Southeast Asian Games. The immigration bureau has urged caution for attendees, following recent alerts from Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros about “scam call centres” in the Philippines using trafficked foreigners.
