The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has denied entry to the Philippines of a Chinese man who has been wanted in South Korea for alleged voice phishing fraud.

The BI said that Li Mingzhu, 32, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last April 12 from Hong Kong. He was flagged for verification by immigration officers and found to be the subject of an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice. 

It received reports that Li carries out his scam by installing 31 mobile phones equipped with call masking functions in his vehicle. These phones were then used to deceive individuals by displaying fake numbers on their screens during the fraudulent calls, it also said.

It noted that the voice phishing scam took place in South Korea, so the Suwon District Prosecutor’s Office in Korea ordered his arrest for violation of their Telecommunications Business Act in April 2023.

Li was then excluded and subsequently ordered to return to his flight of origin. His name was later included in the BI’s blacklist, barring any future attempts of re-entry. 

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco stressed the importance of international collaboration in preventing criminals such as Li from escaping and continuing their illegal activities. "This case underscores the necessity of international cooperation in combating transnational crimes like voice phishing," he said.

He assured: "We remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent individuals involved in fraudulent activities from entering our country. The BI is committed to upholding the integrity of our borders and protecting the public from such criminal elements."