By Lane Afable, News Editor
A Korean national wanted by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for fraud was intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Wednesday.
The BI, in a statement, identified the fugitive as Kim Kwangsin, 43, while attempting to depart for Taipei via an AirAsia flight last March 28.
The BI report cite that the Korean was blocked by immigration officers from leaving at Naia Terminal 3 after an Interpol hit appeared in the bureau’s system that prompted immediate action.
Further information confirmed that Kim was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued in May 2026 for charges involving fraud and participation in a criminal organization.
Kim, who has been in the Philippines since January, was allegedly part of a stock investment scam syndicate operating in Cambodia from August 2024 to January 2025—that defrauded at least 57 victims, mostly in South Korea, amassing illegal proceeds amounting to more than KRW 3.5 billion.
“Let this be clear: the Philippines will not serve as a sanctuary for fugitives,” said BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
“Through strong coordination with Interpol and heightened vigilance at our borders, we will ensure that individuals involved in transnational crimes are intercepted and brought to justice,” he added.
The BI said Kim is currently at the BI’s holding facility where he shall remain pending deportation.
