Manila: Bureau of Immigration (BI) fugitive search unit (FSU) operatives have arrested a Japanese man for allegedly being a member of the notorious Luffy syndicate in Angeles City, Pampanga: Bureau of Immigration (BI) fugitive search unit (FSU) operatives have arrested a Japanese man for allegedly being a member of the notorious Luffy syndicate in Angeles City, Pampanga.

According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the foreigner as Ohnishi Kentaro, 47, who was apprehended in an operation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) along Friendship Highway in Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City. The arrest was carried out following a warrant issued by the Tokyo Summary Court in 2022 for theft in violation of the Japanese Penal Code.

The suspect and his accomplices allegedly committed theft by posing as law enforcement officers, targeting elderly victims. They deceived these victims into surrendering their bank cards and personal information under the pretense of a police investigation, which enabled them to make unauthorized ATM withdrawals and accumulate a substantial amount of stolen assets.

Ohnishi is considered one of the few remaining members of the Luffy syndicate, which has been significantly weakened due to a series of operations conducted by the BI FSU. Japanese authorities have reported that the syndicate generated over ¥1 billion in illicit proceeds from theft, fraud, and other illegal activities.

The foreign national will remain in the custody of the BI while he faces deportation proceedings.