MANILA – Operatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have arrested a South Korean national wanted in her home country for large-scale fraud, authorities said.

In a report from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) led by Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, the fugitive was identified as Shim Sukyoung, 46, who was apprehended along Onyx Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, on October 29.

Sy said the operation was carried out in coordination with Korean authorities and local intelligence agencies.

Court records showed that the Suwon District Court in South Korea issued an arrest warrant for Shim on March 6, 2024, for violating Article 347 (1) of the Korean Criminal Act related to fraud.

According to South Korean authorities, Shim allegedly deceived victims at a beauty salon in Manila from 2016 to 2018, claiming she needed money to cover currency exchange fees at a nearby hotel. Through this scheme, she reportedly amassed ₱26.4 million (approximately KRW 590 million) from 35 separate transactions.

Verification from the BI’s database showed that Shim entered the Philippines as a tourist in 2017 and did not apply for any visa extension or conversion afterward, rendering her an overstaying alien.

Further checks revealed that Shim has two active derogatory records — a blacklist and a watchlist order dated May 9, 2023 — both citing her as undesirable for being a fugitive from justice. An Interpol Red Notice was also issued against her on June 8, 2023.

Shim is currently detained at the BI’s facility pending deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commended the successful operation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to barring fugitives from seeking refuge in the country.

“This arrest sends a clear message that the Philippines will not tolerate foreign fugitives exploiting our hospitality,” Viado said. “No matter how long they’ve been here or how sophisticated their schemes, our agents will find them. The law will catch up.”