Alleged Korean phishing ring leader arrested in Pangasinan

Immigration operatives on Tuesday arrested a Korean man in Alaminos, Pangasinan, who is allegedly the leader of a South Korean phishing syndicate and had been posing as a Filipino.

According to John Consulta’s exclusive report on “24 Oras,” personnel from the Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) intercepted the suspect’s vehicle.

When asked by BI operatives about his birthplace, he supposedly claimed he was born in Oranbo, Pasig.

Authorities said they became suspicious when he could not provide his mother’s name, prompting him to reveal his true identity.

The BI said the 41-year-old suspect had been posing as a Filipino citizen while allegedly leading a crime group operating in the Philippines.

“We have been tailing him for a long time in Batangas, where he owned a resort, but he has since moved to Alaminos,” said BI-FSU head Rendel Sy.

“He is using a Filipino identity. During the arrest, he presented a Philippine passport. We also recovered a driver’s license from him,” Sy said.

According to immigration operatives, the syndicate’s operations are reportedly extensive.

The suspect supposedly entered the country before an Interpol Red Notice was issued against him.

“He is the leader of a voice phishing syndicate in Korea that earned millions from victims,” Sy said.

“They employ telemarketers who call victims, pretending to be bank employees,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will investigate two vehicles registered under the suspect’s name.

“There are two vehicles in his name, which he may also be using for his syndicate’s activities here,” said LTO chief Markus Lacanilao.

GMA Integrated News is attempting to reach the suspect for comment.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA Integrated News