MANILA — Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested two Chinese nationals in Manila for allegedly running a love scam hub that targeted victims in Europe and Japan.

BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) chief Rendel Ryan Sy identified the suspects as Wang Huihuang, 30, alleged head of the operation, and Liu Lin, 35, said to be the manager of the scheme.

The operation stemmed from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify action against foreign nationals engaged in scams, Sy said.

The suspects were caught operating six computer units linked to dating websites, social media accounts, messaging platforms, translators, and other applications used to lure victims into sham romantic relationships for monetary gain.

Verification with the BI database showed that both men were overstaying aliens and failed to present valid passports or immigration documents.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the raid also led to the rescue of two Malaysian nationals who were allegedly held against their will and subjected to abuse by the suspects.

Wang and Liu were taken into custody and will face deportation proceedings for being overstaying and undesirable aliens. The rescued Malaysians were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Malaysian embassy for investigation and assistance.