12 Koreans nabbed for fraud

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently apprehended 12 South Koreans wanted for allegedly duping their countrymen into investing in bogus real estate projects in the Philippines.

In a statement issued yesterday, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the suspects as Noh Heamin, Park Jeongho, Kim Sun Jang, Lee Hyanglim, Yoon Daseul, Kim Sunghoon, Jeong Miseon, Park Mingyu, Park Youngju, Park Hyunmyeung, Park Chanju and Lee Hyunho.

The Koreans were arrested at a condominium in Makati City last Wednesday. 

The BI conducted the operation after the South Korean embassy informed the agency of the syndicate’s presence in the country. They requested the BI to deport them since they are fugitives and would have to stand trial in South Korea. 

Their arrests followed the bureau’s apprehension on Monday of four other South Koreans for allegedly duping hundreds of their compatriots who lost money after revealing private information to callers impersonating legitimate companies.