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Malaysia’s possible amendments on its communications law is expected to crack down on “online harm, online gambling and scams.” Malaysia’s expected amendments on its communications law is expected to tighten curbs on “online harm, online gambling and scams,” among others.  Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil bared this ahead of parliament’s hearing on the law last December 2.  “Our focus is on aspects of online harm, online gambling and scams, cyberbullying and sexual crimes against children or paedophilia,” Fahmi said after closing the Communications Carnival in Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur, the same day, as reported by Bernama.  Ahead of this, the Malaysian government, through the  Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC),  has requested to remove over 250,000 posts related to online gambling and scams on Facebook.  The MCMC has identified 172,072 online gambling-related items and 56,136 items linked to various fraudulent schemes. This proactive step by the MCMC underscores the government's commitment to combating these illegal activities, which not only violate local laws but also pose significant financial risks to Malaysian citizens. During his parliamentary address, Fahmi highlighted the challenges faced by Malaysian authorities in regulating online content. He emphasized that while the MCMC can request the removal of harmful content from social media platforms like Facebook, it lacks the direct authority to enforce such requests.  Fahmi also shed light on the economic impact of online scams, revealing that Malaysians lost a significant RM432 million to fraudulent activities on Facebook in the previous year. He further noted that Facebook generated substantial revenue of RM2.5 billion from Malaysia, a significant portion of which came from advertisements, including those linked to online investment scams. While the MCMC can request the removal of harmful content from social media platforms, it lacks the authority to enforce such requests. The decision ultimately rests with the platform itself. Read related article: 960K Indonesian Students Gamble Online: Gov’t Data

The Catholic group Philippine Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking is keeping eye on the enforcement of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) ban. A Catholic group is keeping eye on the enforcement of the country's ban on offshore gaming operators (POGO), as they voiced their concern regarding its links to human trafficking.  "There was links between the so-called Philippine offshore gaming operators, or POGO, and human trafficking," Philippine Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking (PIMAHT) said in a statement.  PIMAHT said this as the group met up with local Church leaders, including representatives from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), and the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC).  They welcomed the government's decision to ban POGOs by the end of the year and pledged to monitor the implementation of this policy. Fr. Bryand Restituto, CBCP assistant secretary general, highlighted the potential negative impact of POGOs on Filipino families, particularly children left behind by POGO workers. "The PIMAHT upholds the decision of the Philippine government to the banning of all the POGO’s come end of the year, and as a network, it will become a watchdog to the progress of these directives," Restituto said, as quoted by CBCP News.  Restituto also voiced concern over children left behind by POGO workers.  He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the social and economic consequences of the POGO industry. The rapid growth of the POGO has been linked to a surge in prostitution activities in the Philippines. The influx of wealthy foreign workers has created a lucrative market for sex work, while economic disparities and limited job opportunities have made Filipino women vulnerable to exploitation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a ban on POGOs during his State of the Nation Address, following it up with Executive Order 74   which formalized the operations against POGOs.  Read related article:   Kids of Deported POGO Workers Being Helped by PAOCC

A Chinese national known only as Boss Ayang was sentenced to two life terms. He was ordered to pay a fine of P4 million. A Chinese national was convicted by a Pasay court for operating a prostitution ring that exploited Filipino women, including a minor.  These women were coerced into sexual services catering to foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The court sentenced “Boss Ayang” to two life imprisonments and imposed a fine of P4 million. The conviction was based on violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. The case stemmed from a raid in November 2023, where 14 Filipino women were rescued. The victims testified about being forced to service multiple clients per month and remitting half of their earnings to Ayang.  “[The] accused collected the shares of several women only because accused Ayang ordered her to do so, to which she agreed in her desperate attempt to earn money considering that the number of her customers had decreased,” the court said, as quoted by GMA News.  While Ayang faced severe consequences, two other individuals involved in the operation were acquitted.  A Filipina accomplice, initially implicated, was exonerated as the court determined her role was limited to collecting payments on Ayang's behalf. She was, however, recognized as a victim of human trafficking herself. Another Chinese national, Ayang's life partner, was also acquitted due to insufficient evidence. This individual will be deported from the Philippines. The case highlights the alarming issue of human trafficking linked to the POGO industry in the Philippines. It underscores the urgent need for stricter law enforcement and comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. Read related article: Chinese National Coerces Women into Sexual Services for POGO Clients

Vloggers allegedly hired by POGOs and drug syndicates to spread falsehoods against the House Quad Committee may face charges. Vloggers allegedly hired by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and drug syndicates to spread false information and discredit the House of Representatives' Quad Committee may face legal consequences under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Representative Robert Ace Barbers, the overall chairperson of the Quad Committee, has officially requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate and prosecute these individuals for disseminating misinformation aimed at undermining the committee's investigations and its members. In a formal letter to NBI Chief Atty. Jaime Santiago, Barbers outlined potential charges, including libel, sedition, conspiracy to commit sedition, incriminating innocent persons, and intriguing against honor, all in conjunction with the Cybercrime Prevention Act. “Subject to the appreciation of your good office, these charges may include the crimes of Libel (Art. 353 RPC), Sedition (Art. 139 RPC), Conspiracy to Commit Sedition (Art. 142 of RPC), Incriminating Innocent Person Act (Art. 363 RPC), and Intriguing Against Honor (Art. 364 RPC) – all in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act,” Barbers stated in his letter to NBI Chief Atty. Jaime Santiago. Barbers expressed confidence in the NBI Cybercrime Division's ability to gather crucial evidence, such as metadata and activity logs, to support potential charges. The representative has reportedly submitted evidence to the NBI for investigation. This evidence includes vlogs originating from his province, Surigao del Norte, and subsequently spreading across Metro Manila. These vlogs falsely linked him and his brother, Surigao del Norte Governor Lyndon Barbers, to illegal drug activities. The Quad Committee has been actively investigating POGO-related issues, including alleged involvement in illegal activities and tax evasion.  Read related article:   POGO-Funded Slander Campaign Condemned by Barbers

The camp of Harry Roque requested an extension for filing his counter-affidavit on the qualified human trafficking complaint linked to the Porac POGO operation. The Department of Justice believes that the counter-affidavit Harry Roque will submit could be a strong indicator of his whereabouts.  Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said this, as DOJ accommodated interviews on the former presidential spokesperson's failure to submit a counter-affidavit when they launched a preliminary probe on the case last November 29, 2024.  Clavano said Roque's camp committed to submit it on December 3.  "Interesting po yan dahil titingnan po natin yung subscription, kung saan siya nag-subscribe. Dahil kung nag-subscribe siya dito sa Pilipinas, then malalaman po natin na nandito pa siya sa Pilipinas. Kung wala po siyang ifafile, then it gives more reason for us to believe na wala na po siya dito sa Pilipinas (It’s interesting because it all boils down to where he’ll subscribe. Because if he subscribed in the Philippines, we will find out if he is still in the Philippines. If he doesn’t file, it gives us more reason to believe that he is not in the Philippines)," Clavano said, as reported by ABS-CBN News.  Roque has been the subject of an arrest order for contempt from the House of Representatives for his ties to the alleged illegal POGO operation at Porac town in Pampanga. The camp of lawyer Harry Roque has requested for more time to file his counter-affidavit.  Reports of Roque’s whereabouts have been conflicting so far, with Immigration saying he is still in the Philippines, while the NBI believes otherwise. Vice President Sara Duterte also previously hinted at Roque leaving the country.  "'Yung karagdagang mga respondents po sa ating kaso gaya po ni Harry Roque ay hindi po nag-file. They are asking for some time baka sa December 3 po sila magfa-file ng counter-affidavit (The other respondents in our case like Harry Roque did not file. They are asking for some time, maybe on December 3 they will file their counter-affidavit)," Clavano said in an ambush interview, as quoted by GMA News.  Roque failed to submit his counter-affidavit when DOH launched its preliminary probe on the case last November 29. Roque's lawyer then requested to submit this on Tuesday, December 3 instead.  Clavano said it's up to the prosecutors whether Roque needs to show up in person to sign his counter-affidavit. He added that sometimes, they let people sign remotely if there's a good reason. "Minsan ho ay pinapayagan po nila for justifiable ground. Ngunit hindi po natin masasabi 'yan, decision po 'yan ng panel of prosecutors," he explained. Read related article:   Immigration, NBI Give Conflicting Info on Harry Roque Location

Kids of deported Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers are now seeking assistance from the government. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) revealed that 15 young children, whose foreign fathers were deported Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers, are now seeking government assistance. These children, whose mothers are Filipino, range from infants to toddlers and are facing hardships such as food shortages and housing insecurity. PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz expressed deep concern over the situation.  READ: Former POGO Worker Disrupts NAIA Amid POGO Operations Closure “Itong 15 bata na ‘to mga anak ito nung mga dating POGO workers na pina-deport natin. Every week, pumupunta sa amin ‘yan, humihingi ng pang-gatas, pang-pampers, minsan ‘yung iba pambayad pa ng apartment nila. (These 15 are children of former POGO workers who got deported. Every week, they come to us asking money for milk, diapers, and sometimes even to pay for their apartment rent.),” Cruz said, as reported by GMA News.  “Hindi naman nating pwedeng tanggihan ‘yan kasi nga ano sila, naging collateral damage o naging problema sila na binunga nitong illegal POGO operations dito sa atin. ((We can't turn them away because they have become collateral damage or a problem brought about by the illegal POGO operations in our country.)” he added. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent ban on POGOs aims to address various criminal activities linked to the industry, but it has inadvertently left these children vulnerable. The PAOCC official said they are not letting the children stay inside their detention center, but they provide them the support they need. He said they are also now coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regarding the matter. READ: PAOCC Raids Illegal POGO Near Senate, Arrests 200 POGO Workers Marcos' Executive Order No. 74 has broadened the scope of the POGO ban to encompass illegal offshore gaming operations, licensing processes, and the closure of unauthorized operations. Any POGO or internet gaming operator lacking the necessary government permits is now categorized as an illegal gambling entity, subject to increased law enforcement scrutiny. Foreign workers previously employed by POGOs were required to transition their 9G visas to tourist visas by October 15, 2023. They must depart the Philippines by the end of the year. READ: 60% of Filipinos Support POGO Ban: Survey Approximately 200 POGO hubs continue to operate despite government efforts. PAOCC is currently holding around 700 individuals, with 250 scheduled for deportation next week. These individuals, who are no longer permitted to work, are detained at a former POGO hub in Pasay City. Read related article: Hontiveros Highlights POGO Victims as Senate Ends Probe

China has intensified its crackdown on organized crime, repatriating 240 gambling and fraud suspects from Cambodia, with 500 more expected to be returned. China has intensified its crackdown on Chinese organized crime in Southeast Asia, repatriating 240 arrested gambling and fraud suspects from Cambodia. Chinese state media reported that over 500 more are expected to be returned. This is the second batch of Chinese nationals to be deported from Cambodia by chartered plane, following the repatriation of over 680 individuals in April. To combat cross-border online gambling and fraud, China has collaborated with neighboring countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines to apprehend Chinese suspects and bring them back to China. This latest deportation comes a week after China and Myanmar dismantled large telecom fraud centers in northern Myanmar, leading to the arrest of over 53,000 Chinese nationals since last year. In September, China and Cambodia strengthened their cooperation against gambling and fraud, signing agreements to enhance law enforcement collaboration and combat Chinese organized crime. Cambodia banned online gambling in 2019, particularly targeting Chinese-run operations in Sihanoukville. Gambling is likewise banned in China. Chinese state television, CCTV, stated that public security authorities will continue to deepen law enforcement cooperation with other countries and regions, dismantle gambling and fraud dens involving Chinese nationals, and curb the high incidence of such crimes. China's decade-long "Operation Fox Hunt" to fight corruption and economic crimes has led to the repatriation of thousands of suspects and the recovery of billions of dollars in assets. Read related article: China, Cambodia Strengthen Ties Against Online Gambling, Scams

CEZA is tasked to work with AMLC to draft guidelines for the ban's implementation. This move aims to curb illegal activities and strengthen industry regulation. The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) was instructed by Malacañang to collaborate with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in drafting guidelines to enforce the ban on offshore gaming hubs. This directive, reported by Philippine Star, follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s executive order prohibiting Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin wrote to the AMLC, urging coordination with CEZA to develop the implementation framework. President Marcos initially announced the POGO ban during his third State of the Nation Address, instructing government agencies to phase out POGO operations by the year’s end. “Please be informed that this Office has directed the CEZA to coordinate with the AMLC regarding the crafting of implementing guidelines for the ban on offshore interactive gaming operations and all other offshore gaming services within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port,” Bersamin stated in a letter released by the Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros. Hontiveros had earlier raised concerns about CEZA during the Senate's final POGO hearing. Although CEZA claimed it does not host POGOs, Hontiveros expressed concerns that Marcos’ executive order might contain loopholes. “I am pleased that the Office of the Executive Secretary promptly responded to my call during the Senate hearing to address gaps in President Marcos’ Executive Order 74, which appears to exempt economic zones like CEZA from the POGO ban,” Hontiveros said in Tagalog.The executive order, issued in November, gives legal POGOs one month to cease operations.  The Philippine Senate earlier said it had plans to push for legislative reforms  in immigration, money laundering, and election candidacy laws following its investigation into the illegal activities of POGOs.  The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros, concluded its hearings on November 26, 2024. These hearings exposed POGOs as being involved in serious crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering, espionage, and torture. Read related article: Stricter Laws on Immigration, Money Laundering After POGO Probe

The House Quad Committee to investigate troll farms, allegedly funded by a POGO boss, that are spreading misinformation to disrupt their probe into the industry. The House Quad Committee (Quadcomm) has announced that it will launch an investigation into claims that troll farms, allegedly funded by the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), are attempting to derail the committee’s ongoing probe into the controversial industry. The investigation follows reports that these troll farms have been used to spread misinformation, undermine the committee’s work, and even intimidate key witnesses. Panel co-chair Dan Fernandez revealed in a media interview on Thursday that the committee had received credible reports suggesting that Michael Yang, a former economic adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte, is behind the troll farm activity. Yang, who has been heavily linked to POGO operations in the country, allegedly finances these attacks through resources from his POGO ventures.  “Reports indicate that Michael Yang’s POGOs are behind the financing of these troll farms. Richard Lim, known as the ‘King of POGO,’ is said to be fronting for these operations,” Fernandez was quoted as saying in a Daily Tribune report. He explained that Lim, who reportedly took over Yang’s POGOs, is believed to be orchestrating these efforts to discredit the committee and its investigations into the illegal practices surrounding POGOs. The controversy surrounding POGOs has deepened with each passing day as more investigations reveal troubling links to criminal activities. The reports regarding the alleged troll farms are just the latest chapter in a growing scandal that continues to fuel the ongoing inquiry. According to Fernandez, the committee is working to verify the claims and further investigate the extent of the troll farm operations.  The committee’s inquiry has also raised questions about the involvement of prominent figures within the Chinese community in the Philippines, especially regarding the role of Richard Lim. Fernandez stated that there have been questions raised in the press as to why Lim, a well-known figure in the Chinese business sector, has not yet been directly named in the investigation despite his association with Yang’s POGOs. Yang, a key figure in the country’s POGO industry, has been at the center of multiple controversies. He has been accused of having ties to organized criminal syndicates, particularly with regard to the illegal drug trade. Yang has been linked to the September 2023 seizure of P3.5 billion worth of illegal drugs in a warehouse located in Mexico, Pampanga. The warehouse was reportedly owned by Empire 999 Realty Corporation, a real estate company co-founded by Yang. In addition to the allegations of drug trafficking, Senator Risa Hontiveros, a vocal critic of the POGO industry, has suggested that Yang may be involved in Chinese intelligence operations within the Philippines. Hontiveros has been outspoken in her condemnation of the POGO sector, which she claims fosters an environment of corruption and criminal activity. According to Hontiveros, these operations not only affect the country’s economy but also put national security at risk. The ongoing House investigation has uncovered disturbing evidence that connects POGOs to the illegal drug trade. The committee has reported that foreign nationals, particularly from China, have used proceeds from the drug trade to corrupt local officials and acquire land. These foreign nationals are said to have used fraudulent documents, such as fake Philippine birth certificates and government-issued IDs, to further conceal their illegal activities. As the investigation unfolds, it has also been revealed that the alleged troll farms are targeting not only committee members but also witnesses who have exposed the links between POGOs and illegal activities. According to Quad committee chair, Ace Barbers, the troll campaigns are designed to intimidate and discourage witnesses from coming forward, thus preventing the truth from emerging. Barbers pointed out that these troll farms are not just targeting committee members, they are also intimidating those who are testifying against the criminal activities of POGOs.  Read related article: POGO-Funded Slander Campaign Condemned by Barbers

Authorities arrested 19 suspects allegedly involved in a large-scale online gambling ring operating in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thai authorities have apprehended nearly 20 individuals in Chiang Mai, Thailand, who were allegedly involved in a large-scale online gambling ring. The suspects reportedly targeted players not only in Thailand but also across the border in China.  News outlet Khaosod reported that the operation, led by a Taiwanese national known only as "Mr. Kimmy," generated a staggering monthly turnover exceeding 10 million baht (US$290,000). Nineteen suspects were arrested in the operation.  This sophisticated operation went beyond the typical image of a backroom gambling den. The ringleaders conducted their business from luxury properties in Chiang Mai, suggesting a significant level of financial success. To further expand their reach, they employed a dedicated team responsible for advertising the platform, www.Betaccc.app , across various online and offline channels. The platform's popularity is evident from its reported membership base exceeding 100,000 individuals. The arrested suspects now face serious legal consequences. Thai authorities are charging them under the country's Gambling Act for both organizing and promoting illegal gambling activities.  These charges encompass not only the direct running of the operation but also any actions taken to encourage others to participate. The successful raid was the culmination of a focused investigation by Thai authorities.  Acting on reports of suspicious activity involving Taiwanese nationals renting out high-end properties in Chiang Mai, the Technology Crime Suppression Division, led by Police Major General Worapong Kamlue, launched a thorough investigation. This investigation yielded enough evidence to secure a court order, allowing them to target three key locations associated with the international gambling platform betadd.app   While the raid has resulted in numerous arrests, authorities believe the investigation is far from over. Their current focus lies in apprehending “Mr. Kimmy,” the ringleader, and any other potential accomplices who may have played a role in this illegal operation. This case highlights the ongoing battle against online gambling in Thailand and the lengths some organizations go to in order to operate under the radar. Read related article: 5,000 Nabbed in Interpol's Global Crackdown on Illegal Football Bets

The Senate ended its POGO probe, with Senator Risa Hontiveros paying tribute to the victims. The investigation revealed ties to crimes like human trafficking. Senator Risa Hontiveros put victims of illegal offshore gaming operators in the spotlight as the Philippine Senate recently concluded its investigation on the controversial industry.  The inquiry, which spanned 19 months and 15 hearings, culminated in a tribute to the victims of crimes linked to POGOs, including human trafficking and fraud. "Kina Alex Chong, Dale Ignacio, alias Ivy, alias Karina, alias Rita, this is for you. Sa mga biktima ng mga POGO sa loob ata labas ng bansa, this is for you (For Alex Chong, Dale Ignacio, alias Ivy, alias Karina, alias Rita, this is for you. To the victims of POGOs both inside and outside the country, this is for you)," Hontiveros said in her closing remarks, as quoted by ABS-CBN News.  Key issues discussed included Chinese espionage linked to POGOs, regulatory loopholes, and corruption within governmental institutions.  Hontiveros emphasized the need for policy reforms to close these gaps and ensure justice for victims.  As the chair of the Senate Committee on Women and Children, Hontiveros was among the first to raise concerns about the offshore gambling industry's potential issues when it gained popularity for its promise of jobs and investment opportunities. The Senate's investigation gained momentum earlier this year following the discovery of an illegal POGO hub in the town of Bamban, Tarlac. This operation was allegedly supported by then-Mayor Alice Guo, later accused to be a Chinese national named Guo Hua PIng. The investigation on Guo opened a can of worms in the POGO industry, and prompted authorities to close down its operations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. then ordered POGOs across the country shut down, initially through a proclamation in his State of the Nation Address, and later on formalized through Executive Order 74 .  "This may be the end of our hearings on POGO, but this is only the beginning of the legislative reform that we will strive to push to ensure to every Filipino that there will never be another Alice Guo," said Senator Hontiveros. Read related article: Senator Sounds Alarm on Officials “Coaching” POGOs

Gambling in Singapore has dipped, but illegal online betting statistics rose. The percentage of gamblers among Singapore residents aged 18+ also fell in 2023. The proportion of Singapore residents aged 18 and older who gamble decreased in 2023, maintaining a downward trend that began three years earlier.  Gambling rates in Singapore have also continued to decline, according to government data. However, the same data also observed more people gambling illegally compared to the previous study. According to a recent National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) survey, published in The Straits Times on November 28, 2023, gambling participation among Singapore residents has decreased. However, those who do gamble are spending more, and there’s a growing trend towards illegal online gambling. While only 40% of respondents admitted to gambling in the past year, the lowest rate since 2005, the percentage of individuals engaging in illegal online gambling has doubled from 0.3% in 2020 to 1% in 2023. Billy Lee, executive director of Blessed Grace Social Services, suggests that the actual number of Singaporeans gambling illegally online may be even higher than the survey indicates. “When people do illegal things, of course they wouldn’t reveal it. They don’t want to be found out,” Lee said.  The spokesman suggested that the rise in illegal online gambling might be due to easy access and changing perceptions of gambling as a recreational activity. According to the survey, 4D and TOTO remained the most popular forms of gambling, with 30% and 29% of respondents participating, respectively. Singapore Sweep and social gambling were less popular, with around 8% of respondents engaging in each. The NCPG will collaborate with its partners to intensify public education efforts, aiming to increase awareness of the risks associated with illegal online gambling and its absence of responsible gaming measures. Read related article: $9.18 Billion Bet in Singapore for Lottery, Sports Betting