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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider South Korean 'human trafficker' arrested at NAIA -- BI

South Korean 'human trafficker' arrested at NAIA -- BI

Published May 20, 2024 08:03 am

A 34-year-old South Korean national was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) where he was caught escorting five Filipinos who were suspected to be  human trafficking victims, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday, May 20.

The South Korean and the five Filipino were intercepted last May 17 before they could board their flight to Armenia that was transiting through the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the BI said.

“All six passengers were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for filing of appropriate charges against the South Korean  and assistance for the five victims,” it said. 

It also said the BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement (I-PROBES) has also recommended that “the visa of the Korean man be revoked and charges be filed against him.”

The South Korean, who has a permanent residence visa in the Philippines, and the five Filipinos were not identified in BI's press briefer.

The BI said "the victims initially claimed to be traveling to Armenia for a seminar, but later admitted to have been illegally recruited to work as customer service representatives and promised a salary of 267, 533 Armenian Dram or around P40,000."

The South Korean admitted being affiliated with a recruitment agency, but claimed “he was just ‘helping out’ his friends.”

“A check showed that the South Korean had previously sponsored another group of Filipinos allegedly for a seminar, but said Filipinos have not returned to this date,” the BI said. 

 

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