The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Sunday a nearly fourfold increase in the arrest of foreign fugitives, with 268 individuals apprehended from January to June this year. This marks a significant jump from the 69 arrests made during the same period in 2024.
In a statement, the BI said that the figures — based on a report from the agency’s Fugitive Search Unit — show arrests of individuals wanted in their home countries for crimes including robbery, large-scale fraud and theft.
Among those apprehended was Lee Jihwan, a South Korean national wanted for a violent robbery. He was arrested 8 January in Talisay City, Cebu. Authorities said Lee and an accomplice allegedly attacked a victim with a hand axe and forced the transfer of 10 million Korean Won or around P430,000.
Another South Korean national, Chu Hoyong, was taken into custody 13 February as he was accused of defrauding victims of 2.2 billion Korean Won using fake real estate as collateral.
The BI described Chu as a “high-value target by Korean authorities” and alleged he is linked to telecommunications fraud operations in the Philippines.
Additionally, four Japanese nationals believed to be members of the “Luffy” syndicate were arrested between January and April. The “Luffy” group is a Japanese syndicate operating in the Philippines involved in fraud and other telecommunications-based schemes.
On 21 May, seven more Japanese nationals linked to the “JP Dragon” group were arrested. This group allegedly targets elderly individuals by posing as government personnel to obtain banking and ATM card information.
The leader of the “JP Dragon” group in Angeles City, Pampanga, was apprehended 4 June.
All arrested individuals will face deportation proceedings.