2 Koreans wanted for online scam, crypto heist nabbed

Two Korean nationals were arrested for their involvement in online scam and hacking of cryptocurrency accounts, according to John Consulta’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday.

Personnel from the Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (BI FSU) and Korean Police apprehended the two suspects in separate operations in Taguig and Manila.

The Korean fugitive was about to enter his condominium in Taguig when the authorities arrested him.

According to authorities, his group stole at least P200 million from their Korean victims through an online scam while operating in the Philippines.

“Isa siya sa mga team leader ng grupong ito at marami pa tayong ibang iniimbestigahan. Kadalasan sila ay nagpapanggap na mga empleyado or opisyal ng bangko, tatawagan ang kanilang biktima hihingan ng impormasyon upang ma-aaccess ang kanilang mga account at sa pamamagitan nito nakakawithdraw sila ng malaking pera,” BI FSU chief Rendel Sy said.

(He is one of the team leaders of this group and we have many others under investigation. They often pretend to be employees or bank officials who will call their victim to ask for information in order to access their accounts and by doing so they can withdraw large amounts of money.)

Meanwhile, another Korean high priority fugitive was also arrested in his condominium in Manila.

He also has a warrant of arrest for hacking cryptocurrency accounts which allowed him to cart away more than P600 million.

“Sinasabing kumita ito ng mahigit kumulang P613 million. Itong krimen na ito ginawa niya ay nandito na siya sa Pilipinas ngunit ang kanyang biktima ay nasa Korea,” Sy said.

(He earned about P613 million. He committed the crime while he was here in the Philippines but his victim was in Korea.)

“Tinitignan din natin kung itong Korean fugitive na ito ay may grupo dito sa atin locally upang maiwasan din natin na magawa sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

(We are also looking if this Korean fugitive has a local group so that we can forewarn the public.)

GMA News has sought comment from the arrested suspects.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News