A Korean fugitive who amassed over P9 billion from illegal online gambling operations in Korea and the Philippines was arrested by Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents in Malate, Manila.
The arrest of Lee Yong Jar was carried out on July 9 in coordination with Korean authorities and the Manila Police District Station 5 (MPD-PS5), at a building along Bocobo Street, Barangay 698, in Malate.
Lee is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and an active warrant of arrest issued by the Seoul Bukbu District Court in South Korea.
According to Korean authorities, Lee is a high-value illegal investor and operator of gambling platforms targeting Korean and Filipino users. Since 2022, he has launched multiple baccarat websites—including one named “Phoenix”—and used numerous bank accounts and livestream feeds from hotel casinos across Southeast Asia to run his operations.
Investigations revealed that Lee’s activities generated an estimated revenue of KRW 215 billion, or more than P9 billion. The Korean Embassy in Manila confirmed his fugitive status in an October 16, 2024 communication, citing him as a serious threat to public safety.
BI records show that Lee has two derogatory entries: a Blacklist Order issued on January 16, 2025, and a Watchlist Order dated October 21, 2024, both on grounds of undesirability and fugitive status.
He is currently in the custody of the Ermita Police Station and also faces drug-related charges under Section 11 of Republic Act 9165.
“We remain firm in our commitment to cleanse our borders of fugitives who use the Philippines as a safe haven. This is in line with the President’s call for strong law enforcement and intensified border protection under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda. Criminals will find no sanctuary here,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
