BI nabs Korean 'scammer' in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Korean in a parking lot in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu for his alleged involvement in a scam in South Korea.

According to John Consulta’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, the bureau said the Korean was a member of the Seoul Central Prosecutor’s Office in South Korea, which is equivalent to the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation.

This challenged Korean authorities to track him down after he was allegedly involved in a large-scale scam.

“Sa pagiging law enforcement agent niya, maalam siya. Alam niya yung sistema namin. Alam niya kung paano tatakbo at magtatago sa batas,” said Rendel Sy, BI fugitive search unit head.

(As a law enforcement agent, he is knowledgeable and familiar with our system. He knows how it works and how to evade the law.)

According to BI, the suspect allegedly stole nearly P90 million from 75 individuals in South Korea through a “Jeongshe” scam.

“Itong 'Jeongshe scam' na ito ay isang sistema ng real estate sa Korea kung saan kumukuha sila ng 50% ng amount ng pinapaupahan nilang apartment o condominium. Supposedly, ibabalik nila ito after the contract. Imbes na ibalik after the contract, tinakbo na nila ang pera,” Sy said.

(The “Jeongshe” scam is a real estate scheme in South Korea where landlords collect about 50% of the rent as a deposit for apartments or condominiums, which is supposed to be returned after the contract ends. Instead, the suspects allegedly run off with the money.)

The 35-year-old fugitive is at the detention center in Bicutan after authorities searched for him for four months.

He has yet to comment on the matter. He will undergo clearance before being deported.

Authorities will also investigate whether any Filipinos or other Korean nationals were also victims of the scam operation. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA News