BI intercepts Korean fugitive wanted for telecom fraud, money laundering

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted and denied entry to a South Korean fugitive wanted in Seoul for alleged involvement in telecommunications fraud and money laundering, authorities said.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the passenger as Hwang Hyeonjun, 26, who was stopped on the morning of 5 February upon arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

Officers flagged Hwang after his name triggered an alert in the immigration database, prompting verification with INTERPOL.

BI–Interpol chief Peter De Guzan confirmed that the suspect is the subject of an active Red Notice issued by the National Central Bureau in Seoul. The notice stems from fraud and money laundering charges, with an arrest warrant issued in 2025 by the Suwon District Court.

Authorities allege Hwang was part of a telecom fraud syndicate that targeted victims through phone-based scams, with callers posing as bank or financial institution representatives to convince victims to transfer money.

In one case cited in official records, a victim was allegedly defrauded of 10 million Korean won through a fake debt-consolidation loan offer. 

Investigators said the proceeds were collected by accomplices, converted into cryptocurrency, and transferred to digital wallets linked to the group. Total laundered funds tied to similar transactions were estimated at 32.5 million won.

Hwang had arrived from Vietnam aboard a Philippine Airlines flight before being intercepted at immigration screening.

The BI excluded him under the Philippine Immigration Act on the grounds that he is a fugitive from justice and poses a risk to public interest. His name has been added to the bureau’s blacklist, barring future entry into the country.

Viado said the agency acted on foreign law enforcement alerts and existing watchlist systems as part of border control operations. 

The suspect remains in BI custody pending coordination with South Korean authorities for deportation and turnover procedures.