BI arrests Chinese fugitive wanted for fraud

MANILA, Philippines – A Chinese national wanted for engaging in large-scale fraud and victimizing 7,455 individuals was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration operatives in Pasay City.

BI Intelligence Officer Bobby Raquepo on Sunday said that fugitive Hu Mingtian, 40, has been on the wanted list of the immigration since last month when he was issued a summary deportation for being an undocumented alien.

Raquepo added that the Interpol and Chinese embassy sought the assistance of Philippine authorities in arresting Hu.

Hu is a subject of a criminal complaint from 7,455 victims who claimed they were defrauded of more than 435 million yuan.

Chinese authorities also alleged that Hu operated his pyramiding scheme from March 2016 to September 2018 in Fujian province without government approval.

Authorities added that Hu enticed his victims by promising substantial returns for their “investments.”

“Instead of fulfilling his promise, however, he absconded with the victims’ money and fled to the Philippines together with two of his accomplices who remain at large,” Raquepo said in a statement.

Hu is set to be deported and was likewise banned from reentering the Philippines. /gsg