BI arrests South Korean fraud suspect attempting visa extension

A South Korean fugitive named Bae Naseok, 30, was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) while attempting to extend his tourist visa at the BI head office in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday.

BI officers discovered that Bae is listed as a fugitive with Interpol and wanted for fraud-related offenses in South Korea.

South Korean authorities allege that Bae impersonated his victim's child via a mobile messaging app and transferred KRW15 million (USD 10,430) from the victim’s bank account into his own.

Bae is considered an undesirable alien and a threat to public safety, as confirmed by watchlist and blacklist orders from South Korea.

The suspect was able to install a remote-controlled application on the victim's mobile phone to control their banking system.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that this arrest demonstrates the bureau’s commitment to upholding immigration laws and ensuring that the Philippines does not become a refuge for foreign fugitives.

The fugitive has been transferred to BI's facility in Bicutan, Taguig pending deportation.