The Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines announced the arrest and impending deportation of two South Korean nationals wanted for serious crimes in their home country. The arrests took place in separate operations in Manila and Cebu last week, as confirmed by BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on Monday, January 13, 2025. Viado emphasized that the Philippines will not serve as a refuge for international fugitives.
The first suspect, Choi Wonchul, aged 59, was apprehended on January 7 along UN Avenue in Ermita, Manila. Choi, previously a car dealer in South Korea, faces charges of embezzlement and fraud. He allegedly misappropriated around US$65,000 from customers and defrauded others of US$105,000 by promising to sell their vehicles. Choi is currently held by the Manila Police District as his local case is resolved.
The second suspect, Lee Jihwan, 47, was arrested on January 8 in Talisay City, Cebu. Lee is accused of violently attacking and robbing a fellow South Korean, using an axe to inflict multiple injuries. He also allegedly coerced his victim into transferring 10 million Korean won (approximately US$6,800) into his account while the victim was bound with duct tape. The Changwon District Court issued an arrest warrant for Lee in November of the previous year.
Both Choi and Lee were found to be overstaying in the Philippines and are subjects of Interpol red notices. Commissioner Viado stated that the two will be expelled and barred from re-entering the country, reinforcing the stance that the Philippines is not a sanctuary for wanted criminals.