Twelve South Korean nationals, who were allegedly operating a scam hub in Angeles City in Pampanga, have been arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Those arrested were identified by the BI as Yu Jaemin, Han Jaehak, Lee Yungjae, Kim Dongkyoo, Seo Jeongmin, Kim Siyeon, Kim Jinseop, Kim Sunghak, Kim Seokmin, Kim Ungjun, Joung Howeon, and Kim Dongkyu.

The 12 foreigners were arrested during a raid conducted by operatives of the BI’s Intelligence Division–Special Response Team (ID-SRT) last Feb. 25, the BI said.

It also said that the original target of the ID-SRT was Yu after the BI received intelligence information that “the Yu was involved in the operation of a suspected scam hub targeting fellow Korean nationals and possibly other foreign victims.”

It added the operation was conducted after tracking down Yu’s residence and his office in Angeles City.

During the raid, the operatives encountered 11 other South Korean nationals “who were stationed at individual work areas and actively manning operational equipment,” the BI said.

It said “the setup, including designated workstations and ongoing digital activities, was consistent with reported scamming operations.”

When checked for their identities and status, the BI said that “three of the foreign nationals are fugitives from justice with existing derogatory records, while several others were found to be overstaying, in violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended.”

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the BI “will not allow organized fraud syndicates to exploit our communities and use Philippine territory as a base for criminal operations.”

“Our intelligence and enforcement units will continue to act decisively, in full coordination with law enforcement partners, to ensure that foreign nationals who violate our laws are arrested and removed,” he added.

The 12 South Koreans are now detained at the BI’s facility in Taguig City pending their deportation.