Angeles city: Four South Korean nationals were arrested by operatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) for alleged involvement in multiple online fraud schemes. A media release from the BI on Wednesday indicated that Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado ordered the arrest of Ham Seong Hwan, 38, and Kim Jongbaek, 21, for fraud operations conducted inside a house in the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga on July 26.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the operation, two other South Korean men identified as Kim Taekyeong, 37, and Park Jinhyung, 36, were caught working in the said operations. The criminal group allegedly deceives travelers through fake hotel websites offering low rates, bogus flights, and tour offers, posing as travel agents targeting individuals seeking luxury holidays. Park is considered the head of these operations and was found to have been overstaying since 2024.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with Korean authorities, the Philippine Air Force in Northern Luzon, and Clark Development Corporation. On the same day, the BI's FSU also arrested another South Korean, Park Youngjun, 43, along Jose Abad Santos Ave., also inside the Clark Freeport Zone. He was identified as an undesirable alien after an Interpol red notice was issued against him, following a warrant of arrest from the Seongnam branch of Suwon District Court for fraud violating South Korean laws.

Park Youngjun reportedly created fraudulent accounts and subscription notifications on a major South Korean live-streaming platform, illegally profiting approximately 4.6 million Won, equivalent to more than PHP190,000. The arrested individuals are currently held in the BI's facility while undergoing deportation proceedings.