CEBU — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested four South Korean men suspected of involvement in large-scale fraud and other economic crimes.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) on October 16 in Barangay Pardo, Cebu City, in coordination with South Korean authorities, the Philippine Navy, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 7.

Two of the suspects, identified as Kim Joohyun and Jung Won Ki, were the subjects of a mission order issued by Viado after being tagged by the South Korean government as fugitives from justice.

Both Kim and Jung are wanted in South Korea for fraud and are subjects of arrest warrants issued by the Incheon District Court for violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes and the Criminal Act of the Republic of Korea. Their passports have already expired, rendering them undocumented aliens.

During the operation, FSU agents also encountered two other Korean nationals, Ko Chulwoong and Ha Yousung. Ko was found to be overstaying in the country, while Ha has an existing deportation case for undesirability and was likewise reported by South Korean authorities as a fugitive.

According to BI-FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, the operation highlights the Bureau’s close coordination with international law enforcement agencies.

“This successful operation reinforces our message that the Philippines will never be a refuge for fugitives,” said Sy. “Through close collaboration with international partners, we ensure that criminals face the consequences of their actions.”

Viado said the Bureau continues to strengthen its border control and enforcement operations as part of the government’s campaign against criminality.

“We are determined to strengthen our enforcement operations and hold accountable those who abuse our country’s openness,” Viado said. “Our mandate is clear — to safeguard the nation from individuals who exploit our borders for unlawful gain.”

All four suspects were brought to Manila and are currently detained at the BI facility in Taguig pending deportation proceedings.