17 South Koreans held for online gambling

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 17 South Koreans allegedly involved in illegal online gambling operations in Pasig City on Tuesday night.

The suspects were apprehended in a raid on One Corporate Center in Ortigas by personnel of the bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit headed by Jose Carlitos Licas, BI Commisioner Jaime Morento said.

Authorities said the suspects are wanted in South Korea for allegedly operating an illegal gambling website.

Licas identified them as Kim Minkook, Yu Doohee, Lee Byungkon, Lee Seungho, Jo Joongwon, Choi Myoungsoo, Jang Hyoungjun, Kim Hansaem, Park Sungjun, Bae Mungwon, Lee Seungho, Lee Yungyu, Hong Ukjin, Han Sang Seo, Park Yungjin, Kim Kyungjin and Kim Tawewon.

Morente ordered the BI’s legal division to speed up proceedings to deport the suspects.

Prior to the raid, the BI coordinated with the police liaison officers from the Korean embassy in Manila.

The suspects failed to present immigration documents, except for Bae Myungwon, BI spokesperson Antonette Bucasas Mangrobang said.