Authorities have dismantled alleged illegal Lineage Classic pilot service operations in Cavite and Pampanga, following separate raids in Imus City and Angeles City.
According to the press release, the operations were linked to alleged “farming” activities involving Lineage Classic, a Korean online multiplayer role-playing game where players progress characters, engage in PvP, participate in clan warfare, and use Adena as the main in-game currency. Adena is commonly used to buy equipment, consumables, and other in-game assets, and has reportedly gained value in secondary markets where accounts and virtual items are traded for real money.
The first operation took place on May 8, 2026, in Buhay na Tubig, Imus City, Cavite. Authorities implemented a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data at the second and third floors of a building, where several computers were allegedly found running Lineage Classic. Investigators also discovered messaging applications reportedly used to send work instructions, gaming tasks, and operational updates.
Filipino workers present during the operation reportedly said they worked up to 12 hours a day, with only one rest day per week, and were compensated by a Korean supervisor. The raid led to the arrest of the Korean supervisor and two other Korean nationals. They were charged for alleged violations of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Social Security Act of 1997.
A second operation followed on May 15, 2026, in Angeles City, Pampanga. Authorities seized more computer sets allegedly used in the illegal online game farming operation and arrested two more Korean nationals. The suspects were charged for alleged violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.
In total, five Korean nationals were arrested in the two operations.