A South Korean national said to be wanted for his role in a large-scale telecommunications fraud scheme in Korea was arrested by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration-Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU).
According to FSU chief Rendel Ryan Sy, the arrest of Hong Saebyeok, 24, was made in coordination with South Korean authoritie and was carried out along Newport Blvd., Pasay City last September 25.
The arrested foreign national has been transferred to the BI Warden Facility (BIWF) where he shall remain prior to deportation.
Sy said that based on records, Hong is being sought by Korean authorities for telecommunications fraud and money laundering, crimes that defrauded at least 58 victims of around 50 million Won or approximately P2 million. He is reportedly part of a fraud syndicate that converted illicit funds into pesos or cryptocurrency.
An Interpol Notice confirmed that Hong has a standing warrant of arrest issued by the Suwon District Court for fraud and Sy said that verification with BI records showed that Hong last entered the Philippines in April 2024 as a temporary visitor.
Hong’s authorized stay expired in November 2024, and no visa extension was filed, making him an overstaying alien in addition to being a fugitive.
