BI arrests alleged member of 'Luffy' syndicate in Pampanga

BI FSU operatives arrested Japanese national Ohnishi Kentaro, an alleged member of the notorious 'Luffy' syndicate, in Angeles City, Pampanga, on Thursday.

The 47-year-old foreigner was apprehended along Friendship Highway in Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City, in an operation with the PNP.

The Japanese government informed the BI that an arrest warrant was issued by the Tokyo Summary Court in 2022 against Ohnishi for theft.

Ohnishi and his accomplices allegedly posed as law enforcement officers to trick elderly victims into surrendering their ATM cards and personal information, leading to unauthorized withdrawals.

The 'Luffy' syndicate, which Ohnishi is reportedly a part of, has generated over Y1 billion from theft, fraud, and other illegal activities, according to Japanese authorities.