The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested 6 Korean nationals in a raid of a suspected illegal online gambling hub in a hotel in Pasay City.

BI fugitive search unit (FSU) chief Rendel Ryan Sy reported that the 6 Koreans were arrested in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Southern Police District Field Unit (CIDG-SPIDFU) on February 17.  The operation was in line with the President’s drive to ensure border security and safety by locating and arresting possible foreign threats.

Among those arrested was Ha Jungjo, who has an active derogatory record with the BI for overstaying or unexplained prolonged presence in the country. 

According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the raid was conducted following an official communication from the PAOCC regarding suspected illegal activities of said aliens.

“This successful operation reflects our unwavering commitment to cracking down on illegal foreign operations in the country, especially those engaged in illicit online gambling,” said Viado. 

The operatives discovered multiple computer stations allegedly used for illegal offshore gaming operations.

Korean authorities confirmed that monetary transactions in Korean currency and linked bank accounts suggest active participation in illegal gambling activities.

The apprehended foreign nationals, most of whom held permanent resident visas, were caught in in the act of operating the suspected gambling hub.

“We continue to intensify our enforcement actions against foreign nationals violating Philippine laws, in line with the administration’s directive to maintain law and order,” Viado emphasized. 

While physical custody of the arrested individuals has been turned over to the PAOCC, legal custody remains with the BI as deportation proceedings commence.

“We will ensure that due process is followed while working closely with our law enforcement partners to rid our country of undesirable aliens engaged in illicit activities,” added Viado.

All 6 Koreans face deportation and blacklisting from the country.