Daily Tribune'A formal communication from the Embassy of Japan in Manila also classified him as a fugitive posing a threat to public safety and security.'
ONE of the active members of the 'Luffy' syndicate, Kensuke Kudo, arrested by authorities.
Photo courtesy of Bureau of Immigration
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed Sunday the arrest of a Japanese national believed to be an active member of the “Luffy” syndicate, a Japanese-based criminal network that previously operated from the Philippines.
The suspect — identified as Kensuke Kudo — was apprehended last 1 August in a residential area in Taguig. Kudo is wanted in Tokyo for alleged involvement in a large-scale fraud operation.
According to the BI, Kudo was arrested based on existing immigration warrants and derogatory records. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Tokyo Summary Court in January for theft, a violation of Japan’s Penal Code.
Japanese authorities reported that Kudo and his accomplices allegedly scammed elderly victims into surrendering their ATM cards and personal information.
Further investigation revealed Kudo’s Japanese passport expired in October 2024, and he failed to apply for renewal, making 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,” the BI said.
The Immigration Bureau told DAILY TRIBUNE that numerous members of the “Luffy” syndicate have been arrested since last year. Authorities believe the group has largely been dismantled, with only a few remaining members.
The syndicate is estimated to have acquired at least 1 billion Yen through various criminal activities, including theft, fraud, and cybercrimes.
