THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Korean national and uncovered another suspected scamming hub during an enforcement operation in Angeles City, Pampanga.
In a report to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the Intelligence Division–Special Response Team (ID-SRT) conducted the raid on the afternoon of February 25, resulting in the arrest of 33-year-old Korean national Yu Jaemin.
The operation stemmed from validated intelligence information indicating that the subject was involved in the operation of a suspected scam hub targeting fellow Korean nationals and possibly other foreign victims.
Operatives conducted surveillance within the target area and observed the subject leaving his residence and proceeding toward an office located along Poinsettia Street in Angeles City.
Upon entry into the premises, BI operatives encountered eleven other Korean nationals stationed at individual work areas and actively manning operational equipment. The setup, including designated workstations and ongoing digital activities, was consistent with reported scamming operations.
The individuals were found engaged in work-related activities at the time of enforcement, prompting immediate verification of their identities and immigration status.
Subsequent checks revealed that three of the foreign nationals are fugitives from justice with existing derogatory records, while several others were found to be overstaying, in violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended.
Prior to implementation, proper coordination was made with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Pampanga and PNP Angeles City to ensure the legitimacy and orderly conduct of the operation.
During the course of enforcement, another Korean national arrived at the premises and claimed to be the lessor or manager of the property. He reportedly interfered with the operation and falsely claimed that he was sent by Korean authorities. Verification conducted by the BI with the Korean government, however, confirmed that no such representation was made by them.
The subjects were later transported to Manila for booking and documentation, and are now held at the BI Warden’s facility while they face their deportation cases.
Viado said that they will be conducting an investigation as to the background of the Korean man who attempted to interfere with the operations, and his possible connection to the illegal activity found in the area.
The BI Chief also reiterated the agency’s commitment to dismantling foreign-led scam hubs operating in the country. “We will not allow organized fraud syndicates to exploit our communities and use Philippine territory as a base for criminal operations,” Viado said. “Our intelligence and enforcement units will continue to act decisively, in full coordination with law enforcement partners, to ensure that foreign nationals who violate our laws are arrested and removed.”
