The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has issued a stern warning to its offshore licencees and accredited services providers asking them to adhere to local rules.
Alejandro Tengco addressed the gambling companies of the country and reminded them that they were legally required to operate within their licenses.
Licensees were also asked to refrain form any criminal activities, or they could face severe penalties, including license suspension and cancellation.
CGC Technologies was the target of an inter-agency operation.
The warning was issued in conjunction with a PAGCOR suspension order for CGC technologies. The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group and Special Action Forces as well as the Intelligence Group under the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the Inter-Agency Council on Anti-Trafficking investigated the business of the service provider on May 4.
Inter-agency operations were conducted at the Sun Valley Business Hub, Mabalacat in Pampanga. This was done after suspicions about possible credit card fraud and illegal detention, as well as human trafficking.
CGC Technologies was found to be operating in six different buildings, even though only two of them were accredited by PAGCOR. According to the state-owned firm, there were people of different nationalities working in these buildings, including Indonesians and Vietnamese.
During the raid the law enforcement officers confiscated and subjected 1,000 computers and other devices to forensic examination. The PAGCOR confirmed that these establishments were in fact conducting illegal activities.
PAGCOR immediately canceled CGC Technologies’ accreditation after the findings.
PAGCOR pledges to protect the local market
Tengco stated that the operation was the result of PAGCOR’s increased cooperation with various government organizations, such as the Office of the President and Department of Justice.
Tengco said that PAGCOR would continue to monitor the market closely and will take action when fraud is detected.
PAGCOR supported the Department of Justice and Bureau of Immigration’s decision to order immediate repatriation of foreigners who were rescued in the raid. The PAGCOR stated that this shows its strong stance towards illegal activities in the nation.
Tengco said that PAGCOR would continue to work with state agencies in order to improve local services.
PAGCOR continues to work with law enforcement agencies in order to provide a safe, responsible gaming environment for Filipinos and other nationalities. We can only minimize or eliminate all crime that is linked to gaming by regulating and responsibly gaming.
Alejandro Tengco, chair & CEO, PAGCOR
In March, PAGCOR terminated its contract , with an auditor who had submitted fake documents.