Chinese fugitive nabbed at NAIA

A Chinese fugitive wanted in his country for alleged online gambling and telecommunications fraud was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Immigration officials nabbed suspect Luo Wenchao, 24, at NAIA on June 28 while attempting to depart for Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

He was immediately turned over to the Bureau of Immigration's Border Control and Intelligence Unit for inquest and is now detained at the bureau’s warden facility pending deportation proceedings.

Luo is the subject of a red notice issued by Interpol in 2024. He is wanted by the Hanshan County Public Security Bureau in Anhui Province, China for violating laws on credit card management.

According to Chinese authorities, Luo allegedly purchased over 18,700 sets of bank card kits in violation of state regulations. These were reportedly used in criminal operations such as online gambling and telecommunications fraud.

Meanwhile, the BI arrested a Cameroonian at NAIA on July 3 after she attempted to leave for Milan, Italy using a fraudulent passport. 

Suspect Mbozo’o Epse Ze was referred for secondary inspection after immigration officers and airline personnel questioned the authenticity of her passport. The document was submitted to the BI Forensic Documents Laboratory, which confirmed it to be counterfeit.

She was arrested and now also faces deportation proceedings.

“These successful interceptions send a clear message: the Philippines is not a refuge for international fugitives. We remain firm in enforcing the law and protecting our country from criminal elements who think they can operate here with impunity,” said BI Commissioner Joel Viado.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News