Bureau of Immigration arrests 3 foreigners involved in crimes

FILE PHOTO: Bureau of Immigration (BI) logo and building facade. INQUIRER / ALEXIS CORPUZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Thursday that three foreign nationals who were leaving the Philippines were arrested by authorities on various offenses.

Liu Shengtao, a 44-year-old Chinese national, was intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 on January 14, as he was departing for Singapore.

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According to the BI, Liu is wanted by Chinese authorities for covering and concealing criminal proceeds. He has a Philippine working visa issued in 2022.

Meanwhile, Aoi Ikeda, a 36-year-old Japanese, was apprehended at the NAIA Terminal 3 on January 15.

Aoi attempted to board a flight to Dubai. The agency said that complaints have been filed against him for being allegedly involved in a company that is associated with scams.

The Japanese national last went into the Philippines in August 2023, but will be deported for being undesirable.

Cai Kaw-Sing, 48 and a Taiwanese fugitive, was also arrested on January 16 at the NAIA Terminal 3 while boarding a flight to Hong Kong.

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The BI said that Chai went into the Philippines with an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card, but later found out that he was in the list of the Red Notice of the International Criminal Police Organization for fraud.

“The Philippines is not a haven for criminals,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said.

“The BI is committed to ensure that fugitives are brought to justice, and we stand ready to collaborate with our international partners to maintain the integrity of our borders and uphold the rule of law,” he added.

The three persons are currently detained in the BI’s facility in Taguig, the BI added.