Illegal online gambling company in Pasay City, Philippines charged with sex trafficking
Philippine News Agency reports on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry’s latest success in combating “human trafficking,” a major breakthrough. Authorities on Saturday successfully rescued 731 people who were allegedly forced into the sex trade at illegal offshore bookmakers.
The illegal venture was reportedly initiated by the return of Smart Web Technology Corp. What was staged was a company that had previously received a POGO license. The clandestine activities came to light when police raided a six-story building near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.
The building at the center of this illegal activity is a complex that includes nine karaoke rooms, a fully stocked pharmacy staffed by a family doctor, and even a restaurant. The discovery highlights the scale of human trafficking rings and reveals a complex network that exploits victims under the guise of legitimate businesses.
PAGCOR Helps
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) played a crucial role in the raid, overcoming obstacles erected by private security forces in previous access attempts. The rescue operation highlights the joint efforts of law enforcement and regulatory authorities to combat criminal activities in the online gambling industry.
Smart Web Technology Corp was originally a licensed POGO but had its license revoked due to violations. It is alleged that following the introduction of PAGCOR’s new Internet gambling licensing regime, the organization continued to carry out illegal activities under different names. The ability to remain unnoticed by changing a corporate image allows criminal groups to continue preying on vulnerable people.
The rescue of the victims, who were living in deplorable conditions, marks a major victory for anti-human trafficking efforts in the Philippines. Authorities are currently working to provide necessary support services to help survivors overcome their ordeal.
The revelations about Smart Web Technology Corp.'s ability to do business under various names have raised questions about the effectiveness of regulatory measures in the Philippines. Authorities and regulators must now rethink and strengthen their mechanisms to prevent such companies from exploiting legal loopholes.
The case also highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating cross-border crime. Cooperation between the Philippines and other countries is critical to dismantling similar transnational criminal networks.
MORE POGO DAMAGE
In the wake of the bailout, calls have grown for a comprehensive review of the online gambling regulatory and licensing process. Stricter supervision and enforcement mechanisms will prevent such crimes from happening again.
There have been calls to stop all online gambling in the country. There have also been calls for an outright ban on online gambling. The campaign is currently being debated in Congress and has recently received increased support from various citizen and police organizations.
The Smart Web Technology Corp. case is under investigation. Continue to urge the Philippine government to take swift and decisive action. Stricter measures must also be taken to prevent the resurgence of illegal activities in the online gaming industry.
Read also:
- Football 101: What is relegation in football?
- Pennsylvania House Health Committee expected to advance casino smoking ban bill
- Detroit casino union urges patrons to stay away from iGaming during strike
- Thai casinos could fuel corruption and human trafficking, newspaper says
Source: www.casino.org
