By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – A South Korean national wanted for fraud was arrested in an enforcement operation in Laurel, Batangas.
The Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit arrested Kim Yong Cheol, 62, on Wednesday along the Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway in Barangay Niyugan.
He was apprehended after authorities received a complaint alleging that he had been using fictitious identities to carry out fraudulent activities.
The foreigner was reportedly assuming a Filipino identity supported by falsified Philippine civil registry documents and a passport.
Records show that in February this year, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued a Red Notice against Kim in connection with a fraud case in South Korea.
According to information from South Korean authorities, Kim allegedly defrauded several victims in 2009 by falsely claiming that his company was based in the Philippines and operated a gaming firm, a travel agency, and an online shopping platform.
The foreign national reportedly enticed investors with promised returns ranging from 250 percent to 450 percent, depending on the amount invested. Through the scheme, he allegedly obtained more than 1 billion Korean won from his victims.
Immigration records indicate that Kim arrived in the Philippines in 2009 as a temporary visitor.
However, no subsequent application for extension of stay or conversion of visa status was recorded, which means that he is an overstaying alien.
He is the subject of an active watchlist order and blacklist order for undesirability. (PNA)
