The National Bureau of Investigation on Friday announced the arrest of three Korean fugitives by agents of NBI-Special Action Unit during an operation in Senta Tower, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
NBI Officer-In-Charge Director Eric Distor identified the suspects as Changjoo Cho, Dawon Beom, and Changwoo Hong.
Distor said that the operation stemmed from information received by the NBI-SAU regarding said Korean nationals Park Joo Hwan, Dawon Beom, Changwoo Hong and Changjoo Cho who were allegedly engaged in kidnap-for-ransom operating in Manila and Makati City.
The syndicate is reportedly in possession of unlicensed high-powered firearms, which they use in their illegal activities.
NBI-SAU verified the records of the subject Korean nationals with the Bureau of Immigration and it was revealed that the three fled South Korea where they were wanted for prosecution with outstanding warrants for their arrest.
Records showed that the three were charged with violations of Article 26 of the Korean National Sports Promotion Act with maximum penalties up to seven years. Meanwhile, Park Joo Hwan has a derogatory record for alleged kidnap-for-ransom.
On June 15, 2021, joint operatives of NBI-SAU and BI-Fugitive Search Unit, proceeded to a unit in Senta Tower in Legazpi Village Makati City where the Koreans were residing.
Upon entering the premises the joint operatives found four Koreans.
Soohwan Park, who was also in the company of the three fugitives, was cleared of any derogatory record but was invited to the SAU office for proper identification and documentation.
The three arrested Korean fugitives were later turned over to BI-Fugitive Search Unit.
Major Sungsoo Chang, Police Liaison Officer of Korean Embassy followed shortly after and he positively identified the three as Korean fugitives.