The Philippines authorities arrested the “Godfather” of the country’s POGO industry in Laguna province yesterday evening (10 October).
Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) executive director undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said the “boss of all bosses” Lyu Dong was arrested in Biñan City at around 8pm.
The Chinese national is believed to be among the highest-ranking kingpins in the Philippines linked to the POGO sector, and responsible for setting up hubs throughout the country.
He was also behind the raided hub in Tarlac that kicked off the government’s recent POGO crackdown after the town’s mayor Alice Guo was linked to the site amid accusations she was a Chinese secret agent.
The government said it is currently investigating potential links between Dong and Guo.
Cruz said: “We can say that he is the kingpin of the POGOs here because he has been in the country since 2016.
“Since then, he built POGOs in Central Luzon, Ilocos, Calabarzon and Metro Manila. He has established many POGOs and we are looking into his involvement in these operations.”
POGO hubs in the Philippines have been the subject of increasing scrutiny this year due to alleged links with crime including human trafficking, murder, torture and scamming operations.
POGO ‘Boss of all Bosses’
Aliases used by Dong include Boss Boga, Xiaolong, A Pao and Hao Hao, which means “boss of all bosses”.
Dong’s name first surfaced during the government’s investigation into Lucky South 99, the POGO hub raided in Pampanga, Porac in June.
Dozens of individuals involved with offshore gambling operation face human trafficking charges from its activities.
After Dong’s name was connected to Lucky South 99, the police spent eight months tracking him down.
The authorities said he had been difficult to trace as he had frequently changed locations via his personal helicopter.
Police busted Dong as he was meeting with 21 Chinese and Filipino individuals, who police believe are other high-ranking individuals involved in the POGO sector.
Dong denied any wrongdoing and told police his only Philippines business interests are Chinese BBQ restaurants in Laguna.
Senators lauded Dong’s arrest, highlighting the operation as an important step in bringing down the POGO sector.
It follows President Marcos Jr. announcing a total POGO ban in July after mounting pressure from legislators and the public.
