By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Japanese national wanted in his home country for fraud.
In a news release on Friday, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the 53-year-old alias Suk was apprehended during a targeted enforcement operation along Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila, on May 20, by operatives of the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU), in close coordination with Japanese authorities and the Philippine National Police.
‘Suk’ is the subject of an active arrest warrant issued by the Fukuoka Summary Court in Japan in February 2026 for fraud and theft.
Japanese authorities revealed that he belonged to a specialized criminal group that unlawfully obtained ATM cards and personal data by impersonating law enforcement officers.
The syndicate allegedly systematically targeted and deceived vulnerable, elderly victims into surrendering their banking information under the guise of fake police investigations, leading to unauthorized withdrawals amounting to 100,000 Japanese yen.
“Our country is not a sanctuary for international fraudsters who prey on the vulnerable,” the BI chief said in a statement.
Operational background investigations showed the foreigner originally arrived in the Philippines as a temporary visitor in 2019.
He managed to convert his visa to permanent resident status in April 2025. However, the Japanese government in April 2026 informed the BI of his case, which led to the investigation and arrest.
He is now detained at the BI’s holding facility while facing the deportation case filed against him. (PNA)
