PAGCOR: hacking syndicates pose the real threat

Added: June 10, 2024

According to the Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR, alien hacking and scam syndicates represent a big threat to national security.

The organization stated in a statement that licensed operators, formerly known as POGOs but now called IGLs (Internet Gaming Licensees), contribute significantly to government funding, with projected gross revenues of US$85 million in 2023.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO, Alejandro H. Tengco said:

“To us, the real threat are the alien hacking and scam syndicates who operate underground, and they are the ones that our law enforcement agencies are trying to locate and dismantle, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities in this regard.”

Additionally, the head of PAGCOR urged the public to report any unusual activity occurring in their neighborhoods, pointing out that these criminal syndicates are typically armed and dangerous.

Tengco added:

“We should not blame and demonize our licensed gaming operators, because these are closely monitored by PAGCOR. Our licensees pay taxes, and they help provide legitimate jobs and livelihood to a lot of people.”

Tengco claims that in order to make sure that all licensed gambling operators—including land-based casinos—are adhering to the conditions of their licenses, PAGCOR has started deploying monitoring teams within their actual locations. If found in violation of the terms of their licenses, offenders face fines and, in the worst cases, the forfeiture of their bonds and termination of their licenses.

The Chariman and CEO elaborated, stating:

“We do not need to outlaw POGOs; what we need to do is intensify anti-crime operations against suspected alien hackers, against scammers and cyber-criminals who are usually hiding in highly secured buildings and compounds. These criminal syndicates are not engaged in offshore gaming at all, and even if they are, they are doing it illegally. So, they are the real threat, and we must go after them with everything that we have.”

PAGCOR’s position follows the revelation last week by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) that around 100 POGOs that had their licenses revoked are still in operation.

PAGCOR