The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday revealed the successful deportation of two Japanese nationals wanted for fraud and money laundering in Japan.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the two Japanese deportees as Ito Shinya and Kawasaki Hiroyuki, who were deported on 3 March aboard Japan Airlines flight JL746 bound for Narita, Japan.

The agency said the two Japanese fugitives were recently taken into custody after Japanese authorities coordinated with the BI, which verified their involvement in money laundering schemes and official document fabrication.

Both were accused in Japan of utilizing shell corporations to launder illegal funds and fabricating documents on electronically or magnetically notarized deeds.

“In the fight against transnational crime, the deportation of these fugitives serves as proof of the stronger relationship between the Philippine government and its international counterparts. We are committed to our resolve to prevent the Philippines from becoming a sanctuary for criminals,” Viado said.

This action is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to strengthen immigration enforcement and stop foreign criminals from using the Philippines as a haven.