South Korean fugitive posing as Pinoy nabbed in Batangas

A South Korean fugitive who allegedly claimed he was a Filipino was nabbed in an entrapment operation in Laurel, Batangas.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said its Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested the 62-year-old man in Barangay Niyugan on March 4.

According to the bureau, authorities received a complaint accusing the foreigner of using fictitious identities to carry out fraudulent activities. He allegedly assumed a Filipino identity supported by falsified Philippine civil registry documents and a passport.

Records showed that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued a red notice against the foreigner in February in connection with a fraud case in South Korea.

South Korean authorities said the fugitive allegedly defrauded several victims in 2009 by falsely claiming that his company was based in the Philippines and operated a gaming firm, a travel agency, and an online shopping platform.

He reportedly lured investors with promised returns ranging from 250% to 450%, depending on the amount invested. Through the scheme, he allegedly obtained more than KRW1 billion (approximately Php39.894 million) from his victims.

Based on immigration records, the foreigner arrived in the Philippines in 2009 as a temporary visitor. However, he had no subsequent application for extension of stay or conversion of visa status in immigration records, making him an overstaying alien.

Further verification likewise showed he is the subject of an active Watchlist Order and Blacklist Order for undesirability.

The fugitive is now under BI custody pending his deportation, immigration authorities added. —Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News