Korean fake journo nabbed in Makati for swindling

Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested a Korean fake journalist who was facing a string of fraud cases for swindling 42.2 million won from his victims in South Korea.

BI commissioner Jaime Morente, in a statement on Tuesday, identified the suspect as 39-year old Yun Jong Sik.

Yun, who was arrested by operatives of the BI Fugitive Search Unit in Guadalupe, Makati City on May 23, was set to be deported, Morente said.

The arrest was ordered following a request from the Korean embassy, said Morente.

Dana Sandoval, BI spokesperson, disclosed that Yun was facing four outstanding arrest warrants issued by Korean courts where he was charged with defrauding large sums of money.

“One of his pending cases is his alleged swindling of two female Koreans whom he enticed to give him money via the Internet by introducing himself as a journalist who graduated from a prestigious US university,” Sandoval said.

“He was charged with receiving more than 42.2 million won ($US390,000) from the victims through deceit and lies which he committed on 16 occasions between August and September 2013,” she also said.

Yun has been hiding in the country for almost 10 years after he arrived in October 2008, Sandoval said.

It was also discovered that Yun’s passport had already expired years ago, meaning he has been illegally staying in the country, she said.

Yun is now detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City awaiting his deportation.   /muf