BI nabs 5 South Koreans tagged in crypto scam

Inquirer file photo/Alexis Corpuz

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested five South Korean nationals for their alleged involvement in a cryptocurrency investment scam that defrauded victims of more than $2.9 million (around P170 million).

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on Sunday said agents from the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU) apprehended the suspects on Nov. 16 during a raid at their residences in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The suspects were identified as Ha Doo-gyun, 25; Kim Jung-ho, 25; Lee Sun-yeob, 25; Kim Tae-min, 26; and Yun Song-wook, 22.

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Authorities allege the group ran a large-scale fraud syndicate through a fake cryptocurrency website, deceiving hundreds of victims into investing more than 4 billion won (approximately $2.9 million) in fraudulent projects since 2023.

Viado said he issued the mission order for their arrest at the request of the South Korean government, which sought assistance in locating and deporting the fugitives.

The suspects are also subjects of Interpol red notices and are facing fraud charges before the Seoul District Court.

A warrant for their arrest was issued by the court on Sept. 14, according to the BI’s Interpol unit.

Korean fugitive

In a separate operation on Nov. 15, immigration authorities apprehended another Korean fugitive, Park Suk-il, 57, at the Newport Mall in Pasay City.

Park, who is wanted for larceny, had already been ordered deported in February 2015 for being an undesirable alien.

The BI Interpol unit said that Park was accused of stealing construction materials valued at more than 2.2 million won (around $1,576).

All six Koreans are currently detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, while awaiting deportation.