Operatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) have arrested four South Korean nationals for their alleged involvement in multiple online fraud schemes. The arrests were announced in a media release from the BI on Wednesday.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado ordered the apprehension of Ham Seong Hwan, 38, and Kim Jongbaek, 21, during an operation on July 26 at a house located in the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga. Two other South Korean men, Kim Taekyeong, 37, and Park Jinhyung, 36, were also caught working in the fraudulent operations.
The criminal group is accused of luring travelers through various platforms, including fake hotel websites with low rates, bogus flight offers, and impersonating travel agents targeting individuals seeking luxury vacations. Park Jinhyung is believed to be the head of the operation and has been overstaying in the Philippines since 2024.
The operation was conducted in coordination with Korean authorities, the Philippine Air Force in Northern Luzon, and Clark Development Corporation.
On the same day, the BI’s FSU arrested another South Korean national, Park Youngjun, 43, along Jose Abad Santos Ave. in the Clark Freeport Zone. He was identified as an undesirable alien after an Interpol red notice was issued against him, following a warrant for his arrest by the Seongnam branch of Suwon District Court for fraud under South Korean laws. Park reportedly created fraudulent accounts and subscription notifications on a major South Korean live-streaming platform, illegally earning approximately 4.6 million Won, or over PHP 190,000.
The arrested individuals will remain in the BI’s holding facility while they undergo deportation proceedings.Operatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) have arrested four South Korean nationals for their alleged involvement in multiple online fraud schemes. The arrests were announced in a media release from the BI on Wednesday.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado ordered the apprehension of Ham Seong Hwan, 38, and Kim Jongbaek, 21, during an operation on July 26 at a house located in the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga. Two other South Korean men, Kim Taekyeong, 37, and Park Jinhyung, 36, were also caught working in the fraudulent operations.
The criminal group is accused of luring travelers through various platforms, including fake hotel websites with low rates, bogus flight offers, and impersonating travel agents targeting individuals seeking luxury vacations. Park Jinhyung is believed to be the head of the operation and has been overstaying in the Philippines since 2024.
The operation was conducted in coordination with Korean authorities, the Philippine Air Force in Northern Luzon, and Clark Development Corporation.
On the same day, the BI’s FSU arrested another South Korean national, Park Youngjun, 43, along Jose Abad Santos Ave. in the Clark Freeport Zone. He was identified as an undesirable alien after an Interpol red notice was issued against him, following a warrant for his arrest by the Seongnam branch of Suwon District Court for fraud under South Korean laws. Park reportedly created fraudulent accounts and subscription notifications on a major South Korean live-streaming platform, illegally earning approximately 4.6 million Won, or over PHP 190,000.
The arrested individuals will remain in the BI’s holding facility while they undergo deportation proceedings.