2 Koreans nabbed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines—Two Koreans were arrested at a coffee shop in Manila on Thursday night for allegedly extorting P267,000 from their compatriot, who also happened to be their employee.

Han Hyeo-seok and Jeun Su-hyun, both 35, were apprehended while receiving marked money from their victim, Kim Hyung-wook, also 35, at a coffee shop along Adriatico Street in Malate at around 9 p.m.

The entrapment operation was set up after Kim complained that the two suspects, his bosses, held him against his will and demanded money in exchange for the return of his belongings, which the suspects allegedly took.

Superintendent Danilo Macerin of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said Kim worked as a computer programmer for the suspects.

Quoting Kim, Macerin said the suspects allegedly failed to pay the victim’s wage for months now, prompting the victim to take home his work computer. It was still unclear what business the suspects were running.

Last Friday, Han and Jeun allegedly went to Kim’s house and seized the computer and some of his personal belongings.