Police Launch "Manhunt" For Esports Team Owner After $33 Million Meth Bust

A “manhunt” has been launched against the owner of Bren Esports team, Bernard Lu Chong, after he was accused of being involved in a $33 million drug bust in Manila, in the Philippines, Kotaku reports.

According to The Daily Tribune, Chong is allegedly an owner of Fortuneyield Cargo Services Corporation, a shipping company accused of attempting to import meth. The National Bureau of Investigation’s international operations divisions chief, Joey Moran, said: “Mr. Lu Chong can spare everyone the trouble if he surrenders and faces the charges against him.”

Due to the alleged violation of an “importation of illegal drugs offence” under the 2002 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, the Manila Regional Trial Court has issued an arrest warrant against Chong. 

Chong took to Twitter yesterday to deny the allegations made against him. In a thread, he wrote: “Hello Twitter, as some of you may be aware, throughout the last few hours there have been several news articles written about my alleged involvement in a case in my home country, the Philippines. I’m writing this [Twitter] thread to categorically deny these claims that may destroy the good name I have taken [care] of for so many years.

“Some of you may only know me as a part of the Esports community but in reality I’m a much broader person than just that, I’m an Angel Investor and Entrepreneur. I invest in companies/startups that I believe [have] great potential or start my own,” he continued. “I invest in people who [have] great ideas, and more so, to individuals whom I see goodness and great talent.

“I believe in the justice system that protects the innocent, and the truth will always prevail. I hope this clarifies any doubts you have and thank you for your support during these trying times.”

As Kotaku writes, Bren Esports is a huge Filipino esports organisation which has pro teams who participate in League of Legends, Overwatch and Counter-Strike, and has made 34 tournament championships since being founded in 2017.