BI nabs South Korean fugitive in Pasay City hotel

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a South Korean wanted in his home country for defrauding investors of more than $500,000 five years ago.

Choi Youngseop, 52, was apprehended by the BI’s fugitive search unit last Friday by virtue of a summary deportation order issued against him in 2014.

BI commissioner Jaime Morente said the foreigner, aside from being a fugitive, is also an undocumented alien as his passport has been cancelled by the South Korean government.

“He is an overstaying and undocumented alien as he never bothered to extend his stay since he arrived in Manila in July 2013,” Morente said in a statement.

Choi was arrested at a hotel along Newport Boulevard in Pasay City, and is now detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

BI fugitive search unit chief Bobby Raquepo said the South Korean embassy in Manila, sought the suspect’s deportation so he could stand trial in South Korea.

Five years ago, Choi was charged with large-scale fraud for luring many South Koreans by promising high returns if they invest their money with him.

“Instead, he absconded with the money, amounting to more than US$550,000 and fled to the Philippines,” Raquepo said.

As a result, Choi has been on the BI’s wanted list since 2014, following the BI board of commissioners’ decision to order his summary deportation for being an undesirable alien.

The summary deportation order stated that “Choi’s presence in the country is unwanted and undesirable as he poses a risk to public interest.”

Meanwhile, BI spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang said the fugitive was placed on the BI’s blacklist to prevent him from re-entering the Philippines.

The BI is now securing the required clearances and a travel document from the Korean embassy to facilitate Choi’s immediate departure for South Korea, she added.  Faye Orellana. INQUIRER.net               /kga