5 wanted S. Korean in cryptocurrency scam arrested
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the arrest of five South Korean nationals wanted by authorities in their country for involvement in a cryptocurrency investment scam.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the alien fugitives were arrested last Nov. 16 during a raid of their residences in Alabang, Muntinlupa City by operatives from the bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU).
They were identified as Ha Doogyun, 25; Kim Jung Ho, 25; Lee Sunyeob, 25; Kim Taemin, 26; and Yun Songwook, 22.
According to the BI Interpol unit, a warrant for the Koreans’ arrest was issued by the said court on Sept. 14 this year.
Authorities alleged that the Koreans have been running a large-scale fraud syndicate that operates a bogus cryptocurrency website that has lured hundreds of victims to invest over four billion won, or about US$2.9 million, in purported investment projects since 2023.
Meanwhile, another Korean fugitive wanted for larceny was also arrested.
Park Sukil, 57, was arrested Nov. 15 by FSU operatives at the Newport Mall on Newport Blvd., Pasay City.
Viado said the Korean was already ordered deported by the BI on February 2015 for being an undesirable alien.
The BI Interpol unit said Park is wanted for stealing construction materials worth more than 2.2 million won, or roughly US$1576.
All six Koreans are currently detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City while awaiting their deportation.
