5 Japanese deported over alleged ties to fraud syndicate

Five Japanese individuals were deported to Tokyo by Philippine immigration authorities due to their alleged links to a fraud syndicate in Japan.

In a statement, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the five were previously arrested in joint operations in Bulacan and Quezon, and were deported on Tuesday morning. They were allegedly involved in fraud and theft activities in Japan.

According to the BI, several of the deportees were identified as alleged members of a breakaway faction of the "JP Dragon" syndicate, and have been the subjects of warrants of arrest for fraud and theft in their home country.

The BI also said that the "fugitives" have been involved in suspicious activities in the Philippines, such as "operating online workstations linked to scamming operations."

"We are sending them back to face justice. Let this serve as a clear warning—the Philippines will not be used as a sanctuary for criminal syndicates. We will find you, and we will deport you," said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

The five individuals have been barred from future re-entry to the Philippines. — VDV, GMA News