The Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended a 62-year-old South Korean national, Kim Yong Cheol, wanted for fraud, during an operation in Barangay Niyugan, Laurel, Batangas, on March 4. The arrest was executed by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit along the Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway under a duly issued mission order.

Kim is accused of assuming multiple fictitious identities using falsified Philippine civil registry documents and a passport. He is linked to a 2009 fraud case in South Korea, where authorities say he defrauded investors by falsely claiming his company operated a gaming firm, a travel agency, and an online shopping platform. Victims were promised returns between 250% and 450%, resulting in an alleged total loss exceeding KRW 1 billion.

Interpol issued a Red Notice against Kim in February 2026, marking him as a fugitive from justice. Philippine immigration records indicate that he entered the country in 2009 as a temporary visitor but failed to apply for visa extensions or conversions, rendering him an overstaying alien. He is also listed under an active watchlist order and blacklist order for undesirability.

Kim is currently under BI custody pending deportation proceedings and possible coordination with South Korean authorities for further legal action.

This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by Philippine immigration authorities to track and detain foreign fugitives evading justice and exploiting local systems.