The alleged “Godfather” of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) in the country was arrested by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in a subdivision in Biñan, Laguna on Thursday.
According to PAOCC chief Usec. Gilbert Cruz, the suspect was identified as Lyu Dong. “Iyung pag-arestong ginawa natin, ito ay sa bisa ng mission order na inisyu ng Bureau of Immigration,” Cruz stated. “Iyung mission order na iyon, ang pinaka-target ay si Lyu Dong.”
Lyu Dong, a Chinese national from Hunan, China, allegedly goes by several aliases, including “HAO HAO” or “boss of the boss.” Authorities believe that Lyu Dong is the mastermind behind various scam operations across the Philippines.
During the raid, authorities also arrested 10 Chinese POGO bosses and seven Filipino bodyguards. Lyu Dong is suspected of operating illegal POGO businesses and scam farms across different regions in the country. Notably, two companies in Ilocos Sur—Lucky South 99 and Hongsheng/Zun Yuan in Central Luzon—were identified as being part of Lyu Dong’s operations, along with two illegal POGO hubs in the CALABARZON region.
Authorities also linked him to illegal activities in Cebu and Metro Manila, where his influence allegedly extends. The operation targeting Lyu Dong is seen as a significant step in the government’s crackdown on illegal POGO activities, which have been associated with a rise in criminal activities such as human trafficking, scams, and other organized crimes.
As POGOs have drawn increasing scrutiny due to their association with illegal activities, authorities have ramped up efforts to dismantle these operations. The arrest of Lyu Dong is part of a broader initiative by the Philippine government to curtail the influence of illegal POGO networks in the country.
BREAKING NEWS: Godfather ng POGO sa buong Pilipinas, arestado ng Presidential Anti Organized Crime Commision at Bureau of Immigration.@ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/cxZuAWNlKu
— zyann ambrosio (@ZyannAmbrosio) October 10, 2024
This development highlights the continuing efforts of the PAOCC and the BI to address the illegal gaming operations that have flourished under the guise of legitimate POGOs. With the arrest of a major player like Lyu Dong, the government aims to dismantle the extensive network behind these illicit activities.