In a strategic operation executed late on Thursday, October 10, Philippine law enforcement captured Lyu Dong, a Chinese national deemed the “big boss” of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The arrest, conducted in a subdivision in Biñan, Laguna, involved combined efforts from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the Bureau of Immigration, and military personnel, highlighting the seriousness of the crackdown on unregulated offshore gambling activities.
Lyu, also known colloquially as “Hao Hao” meaning “boss of bosses,” has been a critical player in the establishment and spread of POGO operations throughout the Philippines. Since his arrival in 2016, Lyu orchestrated the expansion of these illicit activities across Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon, creating a sprawling network that facilitated various criminal undertakings, including money laundering and human trafficking.
Discoveries and implications of the arrest:
The operation not only netted Lyu but also led to the discovery of nine firearms in the possession of his Filipino associates. The presence of these weapons raised immediate concerns regarding the nature of their operations and the roles of these armed individuals. PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz expressed shock and concern over these findings, signaling potential deeper investigations into the security measures employed by these POGO operations. “We were surprised to find that his Filipino associates were in possession of nine firearms. We are looking into why they had these guns… Are they legitimate bodyguards with authorization? We will investigate that,” stated Cruz during an interview with Radyo DZBB.
As the Philippine Star reports, the arrest also sheds light on potential links to other high-profile figures in the POGO industry, including ousted Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, suspected of deep involvement in similar illegal activities. Speculations abound that Lyu Dong might be the undisclosed mastermind Guo has refrained from identifying in recent Senate hearings.
Legislative response to POGO operations:
Following the arrest, Philippine lawmakers acted swiftly, proposing rigorous new laws to completely overhaul the regulation of offshore gaming operations within the nation. On Friday, October 11, House representatives introduced the Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act, designed to address not only the criminal activities associated with POGOs but also broader issues of human rights abuses linked with extrajudicial actions by state authorities.
The Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act targets the complete prohibition of offshore gaming, addressing not only the gaming operations themselves but also the supporting industries and services that facilitate these hubs. Proposed penalties for violations are severe, ranging from prison terms to substantial fines, reflecting the lawmakers’ determination to eradicate this source of criminality and restore public safety.
