5 Chinese men with Lucky South 99 links caught trying to flee in Tawi-Tawi

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The Chinese fugitives' boat broke down off the coast of Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, while attempting to escape

MANILA, Philippines – Authorities arrested five Chinese nationals wanted for illegal activities linked to the offshore gaming operations of Lucky South 99 after they attempted to flee the country via southern maritime routes, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Tuesday, April 8.

The five men – Ying Guanzhen, 31; Yang Jinlong, 29; Liu Xin, 28; Shen Kan, 36; and Luo Honglin – were caught on March 21 after their boat broke down off the coast of Barangay Sikullis in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, while attempting to escape from Sulu.

They were rescued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and brought to the Languyan Municipal Police Station in Tawi-Tawi before being transferred to Zamboanga. 

The immigration bureau said they were flown to Manila on Tuesday to face charges. They have been detained at the BI holding facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. 

The BI said the men were linked to Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) that was raided earlier for alleged criminal activities. The firm was implicated in various illicit activities such as human trafficking, illegal gambling, and other criminal operations. 

Authorities raided its facilities in Porac, Pampanga, rescuing numerous foreign nationals and uncovering evidence of unlawful activities, and it figured prominently in a congressional investigation in 2024.

The BI said the five Chinese were with three Filipinos as they attempted to evade arrest using the country’s southern backdoor route.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said, “This arrest underscores the importance of our strong collaboration with government intelligence sources in ensuring that our borders are not exploited by fugitives and undocumented foreign nationals.” 

According to the police, the five fugitives were assisted by a “transporter,” or a person who facilitates illegal travel across borders. 

The BI said the transporters were unaware of the fugitives’ identities, and were only tasked with operating the boat. 

Authorities also discovered suspicious green substances aboard the vessel, prompting an investigation into possible drug trafficking. – Rappler.com