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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Japanese 'fugitive' arrested in Laguna -- BI

Japanese 'fugitive' arrested in Laguna -- BI

Published Jan 28, 2025 07:44 am

A Japanese fugitive wanted in his country on suspicion of membership in the notorious “Luffy” gang and have been charged with theft and fraud has been arrested in Laguna, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Sasaki Takashi, 43, who was arrested in San Pablo City on Monday, Jan. 27, by immigration operatives in coordination with Philippine National Police Intelligence Group (PNP-IG) and San Pablo City Police Station.

“Takashi is a fugitive from justice and wanted by the Japanese government for theft and fraud, targeting vulnerable individuals,” Viado said in a statement.

“His presence in the Philippines endangers our communities and undermines our commitment to maintaining security and order,” he added.

The BI said that Takashi is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Tokyo Summary Court in January 2023 for violations of Japan's Penal Code.

“Reports from the Japanese authorities indicate that he and his accomplices stole ATM cards and bank information from elderly victims by posing as law enforcement or finance officials conducting fake investigations,” it said.

“Further investigations revealed that Takashi is allegedly a member of the ‘Luffy’ group, a notorious Japanese criminal syndicate reportedly operating telecom fraud and extortion schemes in the Philippines,” it also said.

Related Tags

Bureau of Immigration Luffy Group
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