BI to deport S. Korean couple wanted for fraud in Seoul
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has detained a South Korean couple after being tagged as fugitives wanted for fraud in Seoul.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the fugitives as Seol Kwangsu, 33, and Han Haneul, 26, who were arrested in Las Piñas City last Thursday by members of the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU).
Morente said the Koreans will be deported for being undesirable and undocumented aliens, adding that the latter’s passports have already been canceled by the Korean government.
He added that he issued mission orders for the couple’s arrest at the request of South Korean authorities in Manila.
According to BI-FSU chief Rendel Ryan Sy, Seol is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the district court in Seoul. He said a separate warrant was issued against Han by the Daejeon district court.
Sy said both Koreans were charged with fraud in connection with their involvement in a bogus investment scheme.
Seol was said to be a caller of a voice-phishing syndicate who impersonated lenders of financial institutions, deceiving victims into transferring 261 million won by offering false loans. Han is wanted for defrauding five victims amounting to more than 80 million won.
A check of the duo’s travel records showed the suspects are overstaying aliens. Seol last arrived in Manila on April 20, 2013 while Han’s latest arrival was on Aug. 1, 2019.
Both Koreans are will remain at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending their deportation. By JUN I. LEGASPI
