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BI arrests South Korean 'fugitive' in Pampanga

Philippines | National

BI arrests South Korean 'fugitive' in Pampanga

A South Korean fugitive wanted in his country for allegedly leading a voice phishing syndicate has been apprehended by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Pampanga.

The BI identified him as 36-year-old Choi Hojun who was arrested last April 14 at his residence in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Angeles City by members of the bureau's Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU).

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that Choi arrived in the Philippines on Aug. 15, 2022 and has not left the country. A red notice was issued against Choi by International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in April 2024 right after a district court in Incheon, Seoul released his arrest warrant.

Choi hid in the country for over a year and a half to evade prosecution in South Korea. However, he was arrested based on a mission order that was issued after a formal request made by the South Korean government.

"Under the Bagong Pilipinas framework, we are strengthening our border control systems and ensuring that those fleeing justice abroad will find no refuge in the Philippines," said Viado.

"We will deport Choi immediately upon the issuance of his summary deportation order by the Board of Commissioners. He will likewise be blacklisted from re-entering the country."

BI-FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy said that Choi is in charge of a voice phishing syndicate that has defrauded countless victims by illegally accessing sensitive banking information. He said the group is believed to have caused losses amounting to 1.73 billion Korean won, or roughly P70 million.

Choi is currently detained at the BI facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.

Related Tags

bureau of immigration Bureau of Immigration telco fraud South Korean fugitive

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