BI nabs 12 Korean fugitives in Makati

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced yesterday the arrest of 12 South Korean fugitives for operating an online business scam that has defrauded many of their compatriots.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente disclosed that the aliens were apprehended last Wednesday during an operation conducted by BI intelligence operatives who swooped down on the suspects’ lairs at the Gramercy Residences, Century City, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.

Morente said he issued the mission order authorizing the BI agents to conduct the operation after intensive surveillance and tips from informants established the fugitives’ presence inside the plush residential building.

Morente added that it was the South Korean embassy in Manila which reported the fugitives’ presence in the country and sought the BI’s help in having them deported so they could stand trial for their crimes.

Arrested were Noh Heamin, Park Jeongho, Kim Sun Jang, Lee Hyanglim, Yoon Daseul, Kim Sunghoon, Jeong Miseon, Park Mingyu, Park Youngju, Park Hyunmyeung, Park Chanju, and Lee Hyunho.

“They are now undergoing deportation proceedings as they have been charged with undesirability for being fugitives from justice and posing risk to public safety and security,” said lawyer Arvin Santos, BI legal division chief.