Photo courtesy of PNP
Authorities arrested a 28-year-old Filipino at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)Terminal 1 in Pasay City on May 31 over qualified trafficking in persons charges tied to a Cambodia scam hub case.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the suspect was a top wanted person in the Cordillera region and was intercepted upon arrival from Cambodia.
The operation was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), aviation security personnel, anti-organized crime units, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Police said the arrest stemmed from a warrant issued by a court in La Trinidad, Benguet in April following a complaint over alleged illegal overseas recruitment.
Investigators said the suspect and cohorts allegedly promised a job seeker high-paying work abroad as a casino dealer before sending the victim to Cambodia.
Instead of legitimate employment, the victim was reportedly forced to work inside a scam hub after arriving in Phnom Penh, with passport confiscation and restricted communication.
The victim later escaped, sought help at the Philippine Embassy, and was repatriated to the country, leading to the filing of charges.
Authorities said the case highlights intensified efforts against trafficking networks exploiting overseas job seekers for scam operations abroad.