BI nets Korean wanted for telephone fraud

February 26, 2018 - 8:52 AM
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Jung Hyojin (BI photo)

MANILA, Philippines — A South Korean who fled to the Philippines three years ago after being indicted in Seoul for allegedly operating a multi-million dollar telephone fraud scheme has been arrested and will be deported by the Bureau of Immigration.

Jung Hyojin, 35, was arrested in Malate, Manila Thursday and detained at the BI facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

Jung was the subject of an Interpol red notice as well as three arrest warrants issued by the Seoul central district court.

The crime he is charged with carries a maximum jail term of 10 years.

Morente said South Korea had also canceled Jung’s passport, making him an overstaying and undocumented alien.

BI intelligence officer Bobby Raquepo said the syndicate Jung allegedly defrauded victims of more than $8 million from 2013 to 2015.

A check of the BI database showed Jung fled to Manila on February 23, 2015 and has been in the country since then.