AUTHORITIES have dismantled an illegal gambling ring in Tarlac with the arrest of 94 individuals involved in its operation, including three financiers.
Operatives of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said the “major law enforcement” operation was the result of “cyber patrolling” that began as early as February last year.
They were arrested during a raid the ACG conducted in coordination with other police units and civilian agencies at the event center in San Vicente town last Sunday.
Apart from the three financiers, also arrested during the raid were 18 administrative staff, 43 head distributors, 19 distributors, and 11 agents.
The suspects are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 (illegal gambling), in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The ACG said the group uses the tambiolo (raffle drum) system in their illegal gambling scheme, where bettors are required to purchase raffle tickets for P20 per entry.
The ACG said the group is offering a Toyota Fortuner, which can be converted into P4.5 million in cash, as the grand prize. The other major prizes include a business package worth P1 million and a 150 sqm lot worth P1 million.
“The illegal gambling operation has been running for five years, conducting monthly raffle draws,” the ACG said in a report.
“The operators entice the public with false promises of grand prizes worth up to P4.5 million, to encourage wider participation,” the ACG said.
It said these prizes were fraudulent, noting that the alleged winners were actually members of the group.
The ACG said the gambling operation lacks authorization or licenses from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Games and Amusement Board, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ACG acting director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the successful operation highlights the ACG’s commitment to safeguarding the public from fraudulent online activities and illegal gambling operations.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts to detect and combat cyber-enabled illegal enterprises, especially those that deceive the public under the guise of legitimate promotional campaigns,” said Yang.
