A foreigner arrested in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) raid, Shouqi Zhao, was found with an ID issued by the Lapu-Lapu City government, sparking controversy over his alleged local connections.
Zhao’s ID identified him as a consultant for Chinese Business Promotions under the Office of the Mayor, but Mayor Junard Chan has denied any official association, suggesting the ID might be fake.
Chan clarified that Zhao’s role as a consultant would require city council approval and that the city has no record of his employment.
Zhao’s Tourist Garden Hotel, a hub for illegal POGO and scam activities, was shut down following the raid, which also uncovered human trafficking and led to the arrest of 169 foreigners.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission has ordered the freezing of assets linked to the illegal operations, including the hotel and associated vehicles, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to end POGO operations by year-end.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 9, 2024
CITY HALL LINK EXPOSED IN POGO CASE
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