BI arrests Korean national wanted for online illegal gambling

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a 29-year-old South Korean national wanted in her country for alleged involvement in the operation of illegal online gambling websites.

BI Fugitive Search Unit operatives, in coordination with South Korean authorities and the Philippine National Police–Intelligence Group (PNP-IG), apprehended Kim Youngsun, 29, on 7 August at a residential area along Governor Ferrer Drive in Barangay Buenavista I, General Trias, Cavite.

The operation followed a request from the PNP-IG for assistance in locating Kim, who is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Incheon District Court in South Korea on 22 April 2025 for allegedly opening and operating a cyber gambling house in violation of South Korean law.

According to information provided to Philippine authorities, Kim was allegedly involved in the operation of 23 illegal online gambling websites from offices in Pasay City and Quezon City beginning in November 2018. She allegedly served as an assistant manager of the support team and supervised several operational units involved in the gambling operation.

Authorities estimate that the syndicate generated approximately KRW 5.33 trillion in illegal proceeds through online sports betting and other gambling activities.

An Interpol Red Notice concerning Kim was subsequently published in June 2025.

BI records also showed that Kim entered the Philippines in 2025, as a temporary visitor. Her authorized stay had already expired earlier, making her an overstaying foreign national.

Kim was brought to the BI for booking and documentation and will be held at the BI’s warden facility for custodial proceedings.