BI nabs Japanese wanted for theft

A Japanese national wanted for theft in his country was apprehended by Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

The BI-NAIA officials identified the Japanese as Saito Shimoeda, a 25-year-old male who attempted to depart the country via a Cebu Pacific flight bound for Nagoya, Japan, on Thursday, 16 November.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco revealed that Shimoeda used frightening techniques, purposefully banging his head on the immigration counter and acting distressed, after discovering his alert list order during departure procedures.

Tansingco added that the BI on-duty supervisor confirmed that Shimoeda is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Tokyo Summary Court for being part of a large-scale telecom fraud group.

The bureau also learned that the suspect was said to be working as a fraudulent caller for a criminal group victimizing his compatriots while he was overseas.

As per the BI record, it shows that Shimoeda entered the country in 2019 and has managed to avoid arrest ever since.

Tansingco also said that this incident serves as a stern warning to all foreign fugitives that the Philippines is not a haven for those attempting to escape legal repercussions in their home countries.

"We urge foreign nationals to respect Philippine laws and warn that the government is committed to cooperating with international authorities to ensure the swift and just resolution of such cases," the BI chief added.

The arrested fugitive's name was placed on the BI's blacklist as an undesirable alien, banning him from re-entering the country.

Shimoeda is now temporarily detained at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending the implementation of his deportation.