Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested three South Koreans who have been declared "most wanted fugitives" in their homeland.
They were identified as Jeong Myunghun, 38, leader of the syndicate; and his lieutenants Yu Daewong, 38; and Kang Wesung, 36. The trio is wanted for allegedly duping their compatriots of millions worth of US (United States) dollars in an elaborate online scam.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the suspects were nabbed in separate operations that were conducted by the bureau's fugitive search unit (FSU) in Paranaque City and in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.
The operations were done in coordination with members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Based on records, the group has enticed more than 2,600 South Koreans to purchase via the Internet various non-existing products amounting to 10 billion won, or roughly $9 million, since 2014.
If found guilty, the fugitives could face a jail sentence of up to 30 years for violating the country's economic crime law.
Morente said the foreigners were considered undocumented aliens because their government had already revoked their passports.
He said they will be sent home shortly and permanently banned from returning to the Philippines.