BI deports 2 Japanese nationals wanted for fraud, money laundering

INQUIRER file photo / ALEXIS CORPUZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Tuesday that two Japanese nationals wanted for fraud and money laundering have been successfully deported.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified them as Ito Shinya, 36, and Kawasaki Hiroyuki, 37.

Both were placed on board a Japan Airlines flight bound for Narita, Japan on March 3.

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“The deportation of these fugitives is a testament to the strengthened cooperation between the Philippine government and its international counterparts in combating transnational crime,” said Viado in a statement.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the Philippines does not serve as a haven for criminals,” he added.

The two were previously arrested for their involvement in falsification of official documents and financial fraud schemes.

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Their arrest was conducted after they were charged in Japan for their roles in the creation of false records on electronic or magnetic notarized deeds and using shell companies to launder illicit funds.

According to Viado, with their deportation, both individuals are now included in the BI’s blacklist, effectively barring them from the country.