TWO South Korean nationals wanted for a multi-million telecom fraud in their country were arrested by agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in Taguig City on Wednesday, PNP chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos said yesterday.

The two most wanted foreigners were identified as Han Juyoung and Gim Sihun alias ‘Kim Sihun,’ both 26 years old. The PNP chief said the two were the subject of an Interpol Red Notice prior to their arrest on the strength of a warrant of deportation issued by the Bureau of Immigration.

“Our strong relations with foreign police agencies contributed to the success of this operation,” Carlos said.

A report from the PNP-CIDG headed by Major Gen. Albert Ignatius D. Ferro said that Juyoung was arrested at Unit 36-B of 8 Forbes Road Condominium located in Forbestown Road in Taguig City, while Sihun was caught inside Unit 9-D of The Suites located at 28th Street, Taguig City.

An official communication from Korean Embassy Consul Seo Seung Whan said the two are the subject of warrants of arrest for fraud issued by the Republic of Korea.

Based on these warrants of arrest, the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol issued a Red Notice alerting all Interpol-member police agencies worldwide to arrest the suspects.

The Korean Embassy said the two fugitives are wanted for their involvement in a telecom fraud in South Korea which is believed to have victimized hundreds of Koreans of an estimated 29 million won.

Korean authorities reported that the two suspects used to pass themselves off as employees of the Hyundai Capital financial institution offering low interest loans for advance payments.

The two are now under the custody of the Fugitive Search Unit of the Bureau of Immigration for proper disposition.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon