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BI arrests South Korean 'fugitive'

Philippines | National

BI arrests South Korean 'fugitive'

By Jeffrey Damicog

A South Korean fugitive, who is wanted in his country for alleged telecommunications fraud, has been arrested in Pasay City by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

In a statement, Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado identified the arrested Korean national as Hong Saebyeok, 24 years old.

Viado said that Hong was arrested by the operatives of the bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) last Sept. 29 along Newport Boulevard in Pasay City.

“Our message is clear—foreigners who commit crimes abroad and attempt to hide in the Philippines will be tracked down and arrested,” Viado stressed.

The BI said that Hong’s arrest was sought by South Korean authorities which cited that the South Korean is wanted for telecommunications fraud and money laundering crimes that defrauded at least 58 victims of around 50 million Won, about P2 million.

“He is reportedly part of a fraud syndicate that converted illicit funds into pesos or cryptocurrency,” it also said.

A notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) stated that Hong has a standing warrant of arrest issued by the Suwon District Court for fraud, it added.

The BI said its records showed that Hong last entered the Philippines in April 2024 as a temporary visitor but has become an overstaying alien after he failed to seek an extension when his authorized stay expired in November 2024.

Hong is now detained at the BI’s facility pending his deportation.

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