Imus city: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the arrest of five Korean nationals involved in illegal online game farming operations in Imus City, Cavite, and Angeles City, Pampanga. The operations, conducted by the NBI's Special Action Unit (SAU), targeted scamming activities linked to the popular Korean online multiplayer role-playing game 'Lineage Classic.'

According to Philippines News Agency, the crackdown on May 8 was initiated following intelligence reports about 'farming' activities conducted by foreign nationals. These activities involved the use of 'Lineage Classic,' a game that features character progression, player-versus-player combat, and an in-game economy based on 'Adena,' the primary virtual currency. The NBI noted that 'Adena' has gained value in secondary markets for trading accounts and virtual assets for real-world money.

The NBI-SAU conducted surveillance operations that confirmed the illicit activities' locations in Imus and Angeles. Following this, the agents obtained a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) for the identified sites.

In Imus City, the NBI-SAU agents executed the WSSECD at a building in Buhay na Tubig, resulting in the confiscation of multiple computers used for 'Lineage Classic.' During the raid, Filipino employees revealed that they worked up to 12 hours a day with minimal rest, receiving compensation from their Korean supervisor. This operation led to the arrest of the Korean supervisor and two accomplices, who face charges under Republic Act (RA) 12010 and RA 8282.

A subsequent operation on May 15 in Angeles City, Pampanga, conducted jointly with the NBI-Tarlac District Office, resulted in the apprehension of two more Korean nationals and the seizure of additional computer equipment. These suspects were charged under RA 10175 and RA 12010 for their involvement in the illegal game farming activities.