Immigration nabs 4 Koreans for fraud, voice phishing

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested four South Koreans wanted in their country for engaging in internet fraud operations victimizing their compatriots.

Arrested were Ryu Sunggon, 43; Park Kyeol, 29; Kim Myung Ryun, 27; and Song Jungrak, 26. Their passports have been cancelled and they have pending warrants of arrest in their country for fraud and voice phishing.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the Koreans were arrested Monday in their workplaces at BF Homes in Parañaque City by operatives from the bureau’s fugitive search unit.

Voice phishing refers to the criminal practice of using social engineering over the telephone system to gain access to private personal and financial information from the public for the purpose of financial reward.

The four arrested have three other companions suspected of operating the syndicate and whose arrests were sought by the South Korean embassy in Manila.

Embassy officials said the syndicate has victimized hundreds of unsuspecting Koreans here who lost money after being duped to reveal their private information to callers impersonating legitimate companies.

Atty. Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI spokesperson, said the three Korean suspects who remain at large are subjects of a continuing manhunt by BI operatives.

She added that those arrested will be sent back to Korea as soon as the BI board of commissioners issues the order for their summary deportation. JE