Korean accused of large-scale fraud nabbed in Parañaque

Immigration operatives have arrested and set for deportation a Korean wanted for at least 40 crimes, including large-scale fraud, in a condominium in Sucat, Parañaque City.

Allegedly one of South Korea's most wanted criminals, 33-year-old Lim Jong Keon was arrested on June 8 by the Bureau of Immigration's (BI) Fugitive Search Unit, a Monday statement from the BI said.

Citing Korean authorities, the bureau's spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Lim is accused of selling non-existent smartphones and other retail items to at least 381 unsuspecting Koreans through his online portal, scamming them of over 150 million Korean won (about P7.26 million).

Lim, whose passport has been cancelled by the Korean government, has been wanted in his home country since 2013 and could face 10 years in prison, she added.

He is detained at the BI's detention facility pending his deportation requested by the Korean embassy in Manila.

“We have strengthened our FSU and our coordination with Interpol and other foreign governments to ensure that fugitives will not use the country to hide from justice,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in the statement.

“Foreign fugitives are not welcome in the Philippines,” he said. — BM, GMA News