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A fake police headquarters in Pasay was among the major discoveries during a raid on an alleged international parcel scam operation, where authorities recovered foreign police uniforms, official-looking insignia, and equipment reportedly used to impersonate law enforcement officers. Investigators said the staged office helped scammers make fraudulent video calls appear legitimate while targeting victims across Southeast Asia.

A staged police headquarters was among the major discoveries during a raid on an alleged international parcel scam operation in Pasay City, where authorities found fake Indonesian and Vietnamese police uniforms, official-looking insignia, and equipment used to deceive victims through fraudulent video calls.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), raided the facility on November 3, 2026, at a building along Cuneta Avenue in Pasay City. Investigators discovered rooms arranged to resemble actual police offices, allowing scammers to impersonate law enforcement officers and make their threats appear legitimate.

According to reports from GMA News, police recovered uniforms, caps, patches, and other equipment bearing the insignia of foreign police authorities.

Fake Indonesian Police Office Used in Scam Operations

Photographs from the operation showed a room displaying Indonesian police-related signage, portraits of officials, and other materials resembling those found inside a law enforcement office.

The staged environment reportedly helped scammers convince overseas victims that they were communicating with legitimate police officers during video calls.

The recovered uniforms included items associated with Indonesian and Vietnamese police authorities. Investigators also found handcuffs and other props allegedly used to make the fraudulent police encounters appear authentic.

According to The Philippine Star, the facility contained rooms specifically designed to simulate police headquarters.

Indonesian and Vietnamese police uniforms were recovered from a raided scam hub in Pasay City Philippines
by u/No-Transition4653 in Philippines

How the Fake Police Scam Worked

Investigators said the operation used a parcel delivery scheme to frighten victims into transferring money.

The scammers initially contacted their targets while pretending to represent courier or delivery companies. They would claim that a package was scheduled to arrive at the victim’s address.

A second caller would then pose as a police officer and inform the target that the parcel had allegedly been intercepted because it contained illegal drugs or prohibited items.

The supposed officer would warn that the victim could face criminal charges and that their bank accounts, properties, and other assets might be frozen or confiscated.

Another scammer would subsequently appear as a senior police official, offering assistance and claiming that the victim could avoid legal trouble by following instructions.

Victims would then be persuaded to provide bank information or transfer money to designated accounts under the pretense of protecting their assets.

The use of fake uniforms and staged police offices was reportedly intended to strengthen the credibility of these threats.

159 Foreign Nationals Rescued During the Raid

The discovery of the fake police setup came during a larger operation that resulted in the rescue of 159 foreign nationals.

Authorities said the rescued individuals included Indonesian, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Chinese nationals. Police also arrested one Chinese national and two Malaysian nationals suspected of operating the facility.

According to the PNP, information from international law enforcement partners in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam helped lead investigators to the location.

Three Indonesian nationals who reportedly escaped from the facility and sought assistance also helped expose the operation.

The DZRH report said authorities were also investigating allegations that some foreign nationals had been physically abused and forced to participate in the fraudulent activities.

Authorities Continue Investigation Into International Scam Network

CIDG officials said the operation had reportedly been running for approximately three months before authorities raided the facility.

Police clarified that the establishment was not a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO), but an international fraud operation targeting individuals in other Southeast Asian countries.

The arrested suspects are expected to face complaints involving human trafficking and serious illegal detention, according to police reports.

Authorities are continuing to examine electronic devices, documents, and other evidence recovered during the operation to identify additional individuals who may have participated in the scheme.

The investigation also involves coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies to identify possible victims and pursue individuals suspected of organizing the cross-border fraud operation.

The discovery highlights how organized scam groups can use fabricated police identities, staged offices, and intimidation tactics to make fraudulent operations appear legitimate.

Authorities continue to investigate the case as they work to establish the full extent of the operation and identify other possible suspects.