Korean fugitive nabbed in Malate

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Manila Police District arrested a Korean wanted for illegal online gambling activities while inside a building along Bocobo Street in Malate, Manila.

The BI said Lee Yong Jae, 46, is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice. A Seoul Bukbu District Court in South Korea also issued a warrant for Lee’s arrest.

According to Korean authorities, Lee is an illegal investor and operator of illicit gambling platforms targeting Korean and Filipino users.

The BI said Lee launched several baccarat sites, including one named Phoenix, and used multiple bank accounts and livestream feeds from hotel casinos across Southeast Asia to run his operations since 2022.

Investigations revealed that Lee’s activities generated an estimated revenue of over P9 billion.

The Korean embassy earlier confirmed Lee’s fugitive status and identified him as a serious threat to public safety.

BI records showed Lee is the subject of two existing derogatory entries – a blacklist order issued on Jan. 16 and a watchlist order dated Oct. 21, 2024 – both on grounds of undesirability and being a fugitive from justice.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado commended authorities for their swift action.