In a significant crackdown on international crime, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines reported the arrest of 180 foreign fugitives in 2024. This number marks an increase from the 128 arrests made in the previous year, as stated by Rendel Ryan Sy, the acting chief of BI’s fugitive search unit, in a report to Commissioner Joel Viado.
The majority of those apprehended were South Korean, totaling 74 arrests, followed by 62 Chinese nationals. Other nationalities included in the arrests were Taiwanese (12), Japanese (11), Americans (7), Italians (2), and Australians (2). The list also featured individuals from Britain, Canada, Germany, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Nigeria, and Serbia.
The crimes committed by these fugitives ranged from economic crimes and investment scams to illegal gambling, money laundering, telecommunications fraud, robbery, and narcotics trading. Among the high-profile arrests were six members of the notorious Japanese ‘Luffy’ gang, wanted for scams, extortion, and fraud. Other notable captures included Australian Gregor Johann Haas and Serbian Predrag Mirkovic, both wanted for drug-related offenses, and Indian-Nepalese Joginder Geong, charged with murder, extortion, and robbery.
These fugitives were apprehended across various locations in the Philippines where they had been hiding. According to BI officials, nearly all have been deported back to their home countries to serve prison sentences for their crimes.
Commissioner Viado emphasized the BI’s ongoing commitment to pursuing foreign criminals who seek refuge in the Philippines to avoid prosecution. He reiterated the government’s stance that the country will not serve as a sanctuary for international fugitives, aligning with the President’s directive to protect the nation from external threats.