MANILA: A Japanese fugitive wanted for fraud and theft is facing deportation proceedings after being arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the agency said on Friday (May 22).
According to the BI, 53-year-old alias “Suk” was arrested through an enforcement operation along Soriano Avenue, Intramuros in on May 20.
The agency shared that “Suk” is facing an arrest warrant issued by Fukuoka Summary Court in Japan in February 2026 for fraud and theft.
“Japanese authorities revealed that he belonged to a specialised criminal group that unlawfully obtained ATM cards and personal data by impersonating law enforcement officers,” the BI said in a press release.
“The syndicate allegedly systematically targeted and deceived vulnerable, elderly victims into surrendering their banking information under the guise of fake police investigations, leading to unauthorised withdrawals amounting to 100,000 Japanese yen,” the BI added.
The agency also said that 'Suk' arrived in the country as a temporary visitor in 2019, but he converted his visa into a permanent resident status in April 2025.
It noted that the Japanese government informed the agency of his case, which led to the investigation and his arrest.
BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reaffirmed that the country is not a “sanctuary for international fraudsters who prey on the vulnerable.
He added that the borders are closed for those who will evade accountability.
“Our successful collaboration with international partners ensures that fugitives like him will be caught and sent back to face the full force of the law,” Viado said in the same press release.
The fugitive is currently detained at the BI’s holding facility. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
