Manila: A Korean national wanted for illegal online gambling activities in Malate, Manila was recently arrested by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration's (BI) Fugitive Search Unit. The operation forms part of the BI's ongoing campaign to modernize enforcement efforts and strengthen international cooperation in pursuit of fugitives and transnational criminals, in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives.
According to Philippines News Agency, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Lee Yong Jae, 46, who is the subject of a Red Notice from the International Criminal Police Organization and an active warrant of arrest from the Seoul Bukbu District Court in South Korea. The arrest was made in coordination with Korean authorities and the Manila Police District Station 5 at a building along Bocobo Street, Barangay 698 in Malate on July 9.
Korean authorities revealed that Lee is a high-value illegal investor and operator of illicit gambling platforms targeting Korean and Filipino users. Since 2022, he has launched several baccarat sites - including one named 'Phoenix' - and used multiple bank accounts and livestream feeds from hotel casinos across Southeast Asia to run his operations. Investigations showed that Lee's activities generated an estimated revenue of 215 billion Korean won (more than PHP9 billion).
The Korean Embassy in Manila confirmed Lee's fugitive status in a communication dated Oct. 16, 2024, and identified him as a serious threat to public safety. BI records showed that Lee is the subject of two derogatory entries: a Blacklist Order issued on Jan. 16, 2025, and a Watchlist Order dated Oct. 21, 2024, both on grounds of undesirability and being a fugitive from justice. He is currently in the custody of the Ermita Police Station while facing drug-related charges under Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The BI has initiated deportation proceedings against Lee, which will run alongside his local charges.
