Filipino businessman Bernard “Bren” Chong owns the esports organization Bren E-Sports. After one of his companies is said to have smuggled drugs worth over 33 million euros, he has now been put out for a manhunt.
Chong is best known in connection with mobile games such as Clash Royale or Lords Mobile. There is now an arrest warrant for drug smuggling.
This is the situation: In May 2019, the Philippine authorities confiscated 276.3 kilograms of “shabu”. The drugs are said to be worth about 1.87 billion Philippine pesos, which is the equivalent of almost 33 million euros.
How should Chong be involved? An arrest warrant was issued for Chong in June 2021 because of his connections to the transport company Fortuneyield Cargo Services Corporation, the alleged recipient of the drug shipment. His team appealed the decision, but it was dismissed.
Thus, the arrest warrant can be enforced and Chong has been put on the wanted list. Authorities called on the businessman to turn himself in to “save everyone involved the trouble.”
Drug smuggling is a very serious case and a non-bailable offence. The NBI is tasked with tracking down and arresting fugitives regardless of their status.
Joey Moran of the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) via bilyonaryo
These are the allegations: Fortuneyield Cargo Services Corporation paid 20,000 Philippine pesos as a deposit and 76,807.50 pesos for the cargo. This corresponds to a total of around 1,700 euros.
Payments of such sums are not possible without the knowledge and consent of the manager, according to a 7-page decision by the prosecution. Thus, there would be sufficient suspicion against Chong.
The Philippines are known for their particularly strict drug policy. The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 regulates the prosecution of crimes involving illicit substances.
Importing dangerous drugs carries a penalty ranging from life imprisonment to death. In addition, heavy fines are imposed. (via Human Rights Library)
Chong denies the allegations
Chong says: On August 2nd, 2022 he commented on the allegations via Twitter. In the thread, he categorically denied any “claims that could destroy his good name.” He is an investor and entrepreneur and invests in companies and people in which he sees potential.
E-sports journalist Jake Lucky also reported on the case. After Chong reached out to him to tell his side of the story, Lucky posted a video of the businessman.
In it, Chong says he has never done anything illegal and the articles about him are all untrue. Lucky added that Chong only invested in the company but was “hands-off,” meaning it had no direct involvement in the deals.
I hope that the people who really hang out with me, who really know me, can be character witnesses. [Sie] can tell the world what kind of person I am. I believe in the justice system. I believe that truth will prevail and that they will protect the innocent.
Bernard Chong via Twitter
YouTuber Ash “ClashWithAsh” was positive about Chong’s character, but due to the seriousness of the allegations, decided to temporarily pause the partnership until “Bren is able to clear his name and restore his reputation.” (via Twitter)
Fans and acquaintances of the businessman were dismayed on Twitter. Others made connections to the popular series Breaking Bad and its protagonist Walter White or talked about the rise of corruption in e-sports.
Bernard Chong is also active in the scene of the mobile game Clash Royale from the Finnish studio Supercell. Their successful game Clash of Clans has now turned 10 and celebrated in an unusual way.