Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday reported the recent arrest of Chinese fugitives in separate operations in Pampanga: In a statement, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Chinese national Zhao Jianfeng, 28, was apprehended during an operation conducted on June 28 in a residential area at the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Zhao is the subject of a detention warrant issued by the Liangqing Branch of the Nanning Municipal Public Security Bureau in China dated June 16, 2025. Zhao is alleged to be part of a dangerous and organized network that has defrauded countless victims online, posing a threat to public safety in the Philippines.
The Chinese government has identified Zhao as one of the core members of a transnational criminal syndicate involved in telecommunication and online investment scams targeting Chinese citizens. All suspects were reportedly based in the Philippines when the crimes were committed.
In a follow-up operation, agents arrested another high-ranking syndicate member, Lu Bingbing, at a casino in Angeles City. Lu failed to present her passport or any valid immigration document at the time of arrest. During this operation, conducted in coordination with local intelligence units, agents also discovered five other Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in illegal activities. They were caught in the act of manning computer workstations believed to be used for telecommunication fraud. The individuals were identified as Song Genyuan, Wu Xinxu, Wen Jing, Xu Yongcheng, and Lin Jinyang.
Viado stated that they are closely coordinating with the Chinese government to ensure these fugitives are returned to face justice in their home country. All suspects are currently undergoing booking and documentation and will be turned over to the BI Warden Facility in preparation for deportation proceedings.
Commissioner Viado reiterated his warning to other foreign fugitives hiding in the Philippines, stating that under the Marcos administration, the Bureau is working hand in hand with international counterparts to protect the Filipino public from fraud and criminal infiltration, ensuring that these criminals will be found and sent home.
