Philippines Law Enforcement Busts Crypto Scam Center, Over 1,000 Human Trafficking Victims Rescued 
Over 1,000 human trafficking victims were recently rescued from a “fraud factory” in Mabalacat, a town located nearly 90 kilometers northwest of Manila, Philippines law enforcement has said. Michelle Sabino from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group said trafficking victims use social media platforms such as Facebook to lure unsuspecting individuals.
Cryptocurrency Scams
According to Philippines law enforcement, over 1,000 human trafficking victims were rescued following a recent raid on a compound in Mabalacat, approximately 90 kilometers northwest of the capital, Manila. According to officials, many of the trafficking victims came from Vietnam, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Taiwan.
As per a VOA report, the trafficking victims were forced to perpetrate cryptocurrency scams during shifts that lasted up to 18 hours per day. Michelle Sabino, a member of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, is quoted in the report explaining how the trafficking victims used social media platforms such as Facebook to lure unsuspecting individuals. The victims themselves were reportedly lured by the promise of employment.
“They were lured by social media posts promising good-paying jobs only to get trapped in these compounds that had armed guards to keep them from leaving,” Sabino explained.
The Indonesian Tip-Off
The Philippines law enforcement’s raid on the compound in Mabalacat on May 4 and 5 came after it reportedly received a tip from Indonesian officials who were inundated with pleas from trafficking victims’ families. According to the report, most of the trafficking victims are university-educated individuals with social media skills. The Global Anti-Scam Organization said the so-called online “fraud factories” are known to prefer employing English and Chinese-speaking individuals.
Meanwhile, the report also noted that while the fraud factories in the Philippines were generally thought to be located in remote areas, a recent hearing in the country’s legislature revealed that criminals are also setting them up in urban areas. While trafficking victims are sometimes given the opportunity to buy themselves out, many remain trapped because their families cannot afford the demanded fees.
Tags in this story crypto scam, Cybercrime, Global Anti-Scam Organization, human trafficking, Law Enforcement, Michelle Sabino, Philippines
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Terence Zimwara
Hong Kong to Have Tight Crypto Regulations, Head of Monetary Authority Says REGULATION | 3 hours ago 
Liechtenstein Prime Minister Says Government to Accept Bitcoin Payments, Open to Investing Reserves in BTC REGULATION | 1 day ago
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons
Previous article
The Outer Ring MMO Announces the Release of Its Early Access Pre-Alpha Version on June 28th
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.
Read disclaimerShow comments
More Popular News
In Case You Missed It
Today’s Top Ethereum and Bitcoin Mining Devices Continue to Rake in Profits
As the crypto economy hovers just under $2 trillion in value, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mining devices are making decent profits. While ASIC miners can still mine ethereum, a 1.5 gigahash (GH/s) Ethash mining device can rake in $51.58 per … read more.
Fidelity Investments Launches Crypto, Metaverse ETFs — Says ‘We Continue to See Demand’ Argentinian Securities Regulator Launches Innovation Hub to Discuss Regulated Crypto Investments Bill ‘On Digital Currency’ Caps Crypto Investments for Russians, Opens Door for Payments Fed’s Bullard Wants to Raise Bank Rate to 3.5% by Year’s End, Hints at 75 Basis Point Rate Hike