In a joint operation to combat cyber-enabled crime, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested nine foreign nationals allegedly involved in an online loan fraud scheme.
The operation was conducted from the evening of June 25 to the early hours of June 26 at a condominium unit in Parañaque City. The law enforcement action stemmed from a mission order issued against two other foreign fugitives, and led to the discovery of nine Korean nationals—aged between 29 and 31—caught in the act of operating suspected scam platforms.
Upon inspection, authorities found the individuals manning separate computer stations with pre-written scripts suspected to be used for fraudulent online lending transactions.
According to a representative from the Korean government, the setup bore the hallmarks of an international online loan fraud operation targeting victims abroad.
The arrested individuals are temporarily detained at the NBI’s Organized and Transnational Crime Division and will be turned over to the BI Warden Facility after processing.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has repeatedly emphasized the need to protect the country from transnational crimes and maintain strong border security. This operation is part of the administration’s broader effort to crack down on foreign nationals using the Philippines as a base for illicit activity.
“We are working in close coordination with local and international law enforcement agencies to ensure that the Philippines does not become a haven for cybercriminals,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “Foreign nationals found violating our laws—especially those involved in syndicated crime—will be located, apprehended, and deported without hesitation.
