The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Japanese national allegedly involved with the notorious "Luffy" gang during an operation on Monday.
According to a report from the BI, a 43-year-old Japanese national was arrested by operatives in coordination with the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group (PNP-IG) and the San Pablo City Police Station at a residence in San Pablo City, Laguna.
BI Commissioner Joel Viado stated that the foreign national is considered an undesirable alien, posing a significant threat to public safety.
He further emphasized that the Japanese national is a fugitive from the Japanese government, facing charges of theft and fraud that involve targeting vulnerable individuals.
“His presence in the Philippines endangers our communities and undermines our commitment to maintaining security and order,” said Viado.
In January 2023, the Tokyo Summary Court issued an arrest warrant for the individual on charges related to violations of Japan's Penal Code.
Reports from Japanese authorities indicate that the individual and his accomplices targeted elderly victims, stealing ATM cards and bank details by pretending as law enforcement or financial officials conducting fraudulent investigations.
Furthermore, the Japanese national is also believed to be a member of the ‘Luffy’ group, a Japanese criminal syndicate reportedly operating telecom fraud and extortion schemes in the Philippines.
“This arrest underscores the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in protecting the public from transnational crimes,” Viado stated.
The arrested foreign national will be transferred to the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility (BIWF), where he will remain pending deportation.
