The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that an American national who was wanted in his home country for sexual assault had been apprehended.

BI Nueva Ecija chief Rick Carlo Balingit reported that the American, identified as Michael Lewis Ginsberg, was apprehended while attempting to extend his tourist visa at the BI’s Cabanatuan field office last Friday.

When assessor Nicole Matulac received Ginsberg’s application, she conducted a routine derogatory check and discovered that his name was on the active watchlist for an immigration deportation case.

Balingit narrated that according to United States authorities, in July 2024, the Superior Court of Maricopa County in Arizona issued a warrant of arrest against Ginsberg on one count of sexual assault.

Ginsberg was charged with sexual assault after allegedly abusing a customer while working as a massage therapist. In June 2024, he reportedly flew to the Philippines after abandoning his home and hiding in New York when confronted.

The US government also reported that his passport is already being revoked.

He was immediately apprehended by the BI Fugitive Search Unit, and he is currently transferred and detained at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, while awaiting his deportation proceedings.