MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested seven Chinese nationals in Pampanga for allegedly running large-scale telecommunications and online investment scams, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The arrests were made on June 28 in a residential area inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat City. The primary suspect, Zhao Jianfeng (28), was the subject of a detention warrant issued by the Nanning Municipal Public Security Bureau in China on June 16. According to Chinese authorities, Zhao is a core member of a transnational syndicate targeting Chinese citizens through telecom and investment scams.
Along with Zhao, the BI also arrested Song Genyuan, Wu Xinxu, Wen Jing, Xu Yongcheng, and Lin Jinyang, who were reportedly caught operating computers believed to be used for fraudulent activities.
Later that day, a follow-up operation at a casino in Angeles City led to the arrest of Lu Bingbing, described by the BI as another high-ranking syndicate member. Lu was found without a passport or valid immigration documents.
“These individuals are part of a dangerous and organized network that has defrauded countless victims online,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “Their presence poses a serious threat to public safety. This arrest sends a strong message—the Philippines is not a safe haven for foreign fugitives.”
The suspects are currently undergoing processing and will be turned over to the BI Warden Facility as authorities coordinate with the Chinese government for deportation proceedings.
