Quezon city: Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have arrested in Quezon City a Japanese national linked to a notorious fraud syndicate. In a statement on Wednesday, the BI said Daisuke Ikeno, 50, was apprehended along Quirino Highway in Barangay Santa Monica, Novaliches, on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ikeno is facing deportation after BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado received information from Japanese authorities that the suspect is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by the Fukuoka Summary Court on March 23 for theft. Rendel Ryan Sy, head of the BI's Fugitive Search Unit, said Ikeno is believed to be one of the surviving members of the JP Dragon syndicate, notoriously known for theft and fraud operations in Japan.

The group reportedly targeted elderly victims by posing as law enforcers to steal ATM cards and banking information under the guise of police investigations. Following his arrest, Ikeno was transferred to the BI's facility in Taguig pending deportation proceedings.