The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national wanted in Beijing for operating an illegal online gambling operation, amassing more than 1.1 million yuan (P8.3 million) from illegal operation.
The suspect, identified as Li Wen Jie was apprehended at his residence along Gen. V. Lucban Street, Barangay Bangkal, Makati City.
The arrest was carried out by operatives from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) after receiving information about Li’s crimes from the Chinese government.
Li had overstayed in the Philippines for nearly two years, having entered the country on May 6, 2023, without leaving since.
“We are committed to ridding the country of foreign nationals who use the Philippines as a safe haven to escape prosecution,” BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said .
“This operation is part of our firm support for President Marcos’ efforts to maintain law and order by removing from our soil undesirable aliens who pose a threat to public safety.”
FSU acting chief Rendel Ryan Sy said Li is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Longmatan District Branch of the Municipal Public Security Bureau in Luzhou, Sichuan Province.
Li operated a gambling den through the online app “Qikaidesheng,” employing numerous agents and reportedly earning over 1.1 million yuan, or approximately $154,000, in commissions.