Bureau of Immigration agents have arrested two Koreans wanted in Seoul for swindling their compatriots of 360 million won or more than P15 million.
The Koreans, who were brothers, were identified as Choi Sung Hyun and Choi Sungmin. They were arrested in Mandaue City, Cebu by members of the bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.
Morente said the brothers are subjects of red notices from the Interpol, as they are wanted by the Korean police for fraud.
“The fugitives will be sent back to Korea as soon as the BI board of commissioners issues the order for their summary deportation,” Morente said.
Information provided by the Korean Embassy revealed that between February and April 2011, Choi Sung Hyun received from his victim a total of 360 million won.
Sung Hyun allegedly promised the victim that his money would earn a 3-percent profit if it were invested in his business.
On the other hand, Choi Sungmin is wanted for defrauding and enticing his victims to invest US$40,000 in a nonexistent business venture. Instead of returning the money, he used it to settle debts he owed to other individuals.
BI-FSU chief Bobby Raquepo disclosed that the brothers are both overstaying and undocumented aliens in the Philippines, as their passports were already canceled by the Korean government.
Raquepo also said that while in Cebu, the Chois owned and operated a diving center business in Punta Engaño in Mactan town.
He said Choi Sungmin was earlier issued a deportation order by the BI in 2015, while his brother was charged with immigration law violations before the bureau’s board of commissioners on the same year.