BI nabs ‘lending scheme leader’ in Nueva Ecija
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested the Vietnamese leader of an alleged lending gang operating in Batangas and other areas in Luzon.
Vo Van Tai, 26, was apprehended by operatives of the BI’s intelligence division in Purok Rosal, Poblacion West, in the Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, following a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Jaime Morente.
Also arrested were two other alleged cohorts of Tai identified as Vo Khac Binh, male, and Vo Thi Mai, female, both 49.
Vo Van reportedly headed a syndicate accused of illegally lending money and physically injuring or kidnapping those who were unable to pay their debts.
The BI earlier reported the arrest of eight other gang members in Lemery Batangas last April 28.
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. reported that during the arrest, Vo Van presented a counterfeit BIR TIN ID bearing an alias. A previous complaint also reported him for having numerous spurious documents.
Apart from being tagged as undesirable aliens for facilitating the use of fake documents, the two alleged cohorts were also found to be undocumented and overstaying.
The trio were transferred to the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig pending deportation proceedings.
Morente lauded the BI’s intelligence division for the arrest.
“These illegal businessmen are not welcome in the country. They do not follow our laws, and at the same time bring fear and disorder to the community. We will ensure that once deported, they will not be able to set foot in the country again,” said Morente. By JUN I. LEGASPI
