3 Koreans nabbed for illegal online gambling

THREE Korean nationals were arrested by authorities for operating an illegal online gambling inside a condominium in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, on Saturday afternoon, December 22,

Senior Inspector Windell Abellana of Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) of Regional Intelligence Division-Central Visayas identified the suspects as Taejin Maeng, 21; Sanggwi Ji, 21; and Hyeonhee Na, 25.

The operatives seized several evidence, including four central processing units, eight computer monitors, four keyboards, cords, four uninterrupted power source devices, extension wires, router, Wi-Fi modem, 12 universal service bus flash drives and 31 security cards.

Abellana said they conducted a two-month surveillance after receiving an information about the suspects' illegal activity. He said they tapped persons who have knowledge on the suspects.

The operation conducted around 3:20 p.m., Saturday, was authorized by a search warrant issued by Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 11 Judge Ramon Daomilas Jr.

The operation was coordinated with Foreign National Liaison (Korean Desk) led by Senior Inspector Irvin Belen and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Central Visayas led by Superintendent Hector Amancia.

"With their arrest, we have more information at hand, but this is subject for verification and validation if evidence warrants possible police operation in the future," Abellana said.

Abellana said the suspects will be charged for violating Presidential Decree 1602 (Prescribing Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling) as amended by Republic Act 9287 (An Act Increasing Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games).