Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested a South Korean national wanted for fraud following an enforcement operation in Laurel, Batangas.
The arrest was carried out on March 4 along the Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway in Barangay Niyugan, Laurel, Batangas, pursuant to a duly issued mission order.
The foreign national, identified as Kim Yong Cheol, 62, was apprehended after authorities received a complaint alleging that he had been using fictitious identities to carry out fraudulent activities.
He was reportedly assuming a Filipino identity supported by falsified Philippine civil registry documents and a passport.
Records show that in February of this year, Interpol issued a Red Notice against Kim in connection with a fraud case in South Korea.
According to information from Korean authorities, Kim allegedly defrauded several victims in 2009 by falsely claiming that his company was based in the Philippines and operated a gaming firm, a travel agency, and an online shopping platform.
He reportedly enticed investors with promised returns ranging from 250% to 450%, depending on the amount invested. Through the scheme, he allegedly obtained more than KRW 1 billion from his victims.
Immigration records indicate that Kim arrived in the Philippines in 2009 as a temporary visitor. However, no subsequent application for extension of stay or conversion of visa status was recorded. As such, he is considered an overstaying alien.
Further verification showed that he is the subject of an active Watchlist Order and Blacklist Order for undesirability, being a fugitive from justice.
Kim is currently under the custody of the BI pending deportation proceedings.
