The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday confirmed the arrest of a Japanese national believed to be an active member of the “Luffy” syndicate, a criminal network based in Japan that operated from the Philippines.

BI identified the suspect as 28-year-old Kensuke Kudo, a Japanese national wanted in Tokyo for alleged involvement in a massive fraud operation. He was arrested on 1 August at a residential area in Taguig.

Kudo was arrested based on existing immigration warrants and derogatory records. BI said a warrant of arrest had been issued by the Tokyo Summary Court in January against Kudo for theft in violation of Japan’s Penal Code.

Japanese authorities reported that Kudo and his accomplices scammed elderly victims into handing over their ATM cards and personal information.

Further investigation also showed that Kudo’s Japanese passport expired in October 2024 and that he failed to apply for a renewal, rendering him an overstaying and undesirable alien in the Philippines.

“A formal communication from the Embassy of Japan in Manila also classified him as a fugitive posing a threat to public safety and security,” BI said.

The Immigration Bureau told DAILY TRIBUNE that a number of Luffy syndicate members have been arrested since last year. It added that the group has since been dismantled, with only a few remnants left.

Authorities estimate the syndicate acquired at least ¥1 billion through theft, fraud, and cybercrimes.

Kudo has been turned over to the BI Warden Facility pending deportation proceedings.