MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration recently arrested four foreigners for alleged involvement in financial fraud and other illicit activities.

The agency’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) conducted operations on March 24 and 25, resulting in the apprehension of two Nigerians in Muntinlupa City and two South Koreans in Angeles City.

The Nigerian nationals, aged 46 and 34, were arrested in Barangay Putatan following reports of fraudulent remittance claims at multiple branches of a Philippine financial institution. The 34-year-old allegedly used multiple passports under different identities to unlawfully claim funds. Authorities recovered several falsified passports and travel documents during the operation. Both Nigerians were also found to be overstaying aliens.

In Angeles City, a 45-year-old South Korean was arrested for operating an illegal online gambling platform that reportedly generated billions of Korean won. The suspect is under an Interpol Red Notice and the BI’s blacklist. Authorities said he facilitated betting activities on baccarat, slot machines, and blackjack alongside accomplices.

A follow-up operation at the Clark Freeport led to the arrest of a 33-year-old South Korean wanted for fraud under an Interpol Red Notice and a Seoul Central District Court warrant. The suspect allegedly ran a fraudulent “Minesweeper” betting scheme, duping at least 15 victims into transferring KRW 300 million through social media lures and fake websites. He entered the Philippines in March 2023 as a temporary visitor and has overstayed since.

The four foreign nationals will be held at the BI Warden Facility pending deportation proceedings.

“These operations send a strong and unequivocal message – the Philippines will not be used as a haven for financial fraudsters and fugitives,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

“We are intensifying our efforts to detect and dismantle schemes that exploit financial systems and victimize both businesses and individuals. Foreign nationals who abuse our immigration laws and engage in illicit financial activities will be arrested, deported, and blacklisted,” he added.