Filipino businessman Bernard “Bren” Chong owns the e-sports organization Bren E-Sports. After one of his companies allegedly smuggled drugs worth over 33 million euros, he is now wanted.
Chong is mainly known in connection with mobile games like Clash Royale or Lords Mobile. Now there is an arrest warrant for drug smuggling.
This is the situation: Already in May 2019, Philippine authorities seized 276.3 kilograms of “Shabu”. The drugs are said to be worth about 1.87 billion Philippine pesos, which is approximately 33 million euros.
How is Chong supposed to be involved? Due to his connections to the transport company Fortuneyield Cargo Services Corporation, the alleged recipient of the drug shipment, an arrest warrant was issued against Chong in June 2021. His team filed an appeal against the decision, but it was dismissed.
Thus, the arrest warrant can be executed and Chong has been placed on the wanted list. Authorities have called on the businessman to surrender to “spare all parties the trouble.”
Drug smuggling is a very serious case and a non-bailable offense. The NBI is tasked with tracking down and arresting fugitives regardless of their status.
Joey Moran from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines via bilyonaryo
These are the charges: Fortuneyield Cargo Services Corporation is said to have paid 20,000 Philippine pesos as a down payment and 76,807.50 pesos for the cargo. This totals approximately 1,700 euros.
Payments of such amounts would not be possible without the manager’s knowledge and consent, according to a 7-page resolution from the prosecution. Thus, there is sufficient suspicion against Chong.
The Philippines is known for its particularly strict drug policy. The prosecution of crimes related to illicit substances is regulated by the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The importation of dangerous drugs can be punished with life imprisonment up to death. In addition, high fines are imposed. (via Human Rights Library)
Chong defends himself against the charges
This is what Chong says: On August 2, 2022, he addressed the allegations via Twitter. In the thread, he categorically denied all “claims that could destroy his good name.” He is an investor and entrepreneur and invests in companies and people where he sees potential.
The 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, all the articles about him are untrue. Lucky added that Chong simply invested in the company but has been “hands-off,” meaning he had no direct involvement in the business.
I hope that the people who really spend time with me, who really know me, can be character witnesses. [They] can tell the world what kind of person I am. I believe in the justice system. I believe that the truth will prevail and that it will protect the innocent.
Bernard Chong via Twitter
YouTuber Ash “ClashWithAsh” spoke positively about Chong’s character but decided to temporarily pause the partnership due to the severity of the allegations until “Bren is able to clear his good name and restore his reputation.” (via Twitter)
Fans and acquaintances of the businessman expressed shock on Twitter. Others drew connections to the popular series Breaking Bad and its main character Walter White or spoke about the encroachment of corruption in e-sports.
Bernard Chong is also active in the mobile game Clash Royale from Finnish studio Supercell. Their successful game Clash of Clans just turned 10 years old and celebrated in an unusual way.
