2 KOREAN FUGITIVES CAPTURED IN PAMPANGA

BY KEVIN GALANG

AUTHORITIES on Wednesday arrested two South Korean nationals wanted for gambling and fraud charges in their home country in separate but coordinated operations in Pampanga.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region Field Unit 3 chief Col. Grant Gollod said the arrests were carried out under “Oplan Pagtugis.”

Operatives of the CIDG Tarlac Provincial Field Unit headed by Lt. Col. Arvin Hosmillo as lead unit, in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU), the Korean National Police Agency, and other partner units arrested the duo.

Gollod identified the suspects as alias “Unho,” 45, and alias “Hoon,” 33, both currently residing in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“Unho” was caught on Kampupot St. in Angeles City based on a warrant issued by the Suwon District Court in South Korea for allegedly operating illegal online gambling operations, in violation of Section 247 of the Korean Criminal Act.

Investigations revealed that “Unho” together with accomplices, ran an unlicensed online gambling platform from a residence in Angeles City between January and July 2023. 

The operation reportedly handled transactions exceeding KRW 15 billion, offering betting activities such as baccarat, slot machines, and blackjack. 

Authorities said the group earned approximately KRW 2 billion in illicit profits.

An Interpol Red Notice had been issued against “Unho” in October 2024 while Immigration records showed that he entered the Philippines in June 2024 under a pre-arranged employment visa but has since overstayed. 

The suspect is also listed under the Bureau of Immigration’s blacklist and watchlist orders.

In a separate operation, “Hoon” was arrested on Jose Abad Santos Avenue inside the Clark Freeport Zone, also in Angeles City, based on a warrant for fraud under Article 347 of the Korean Criminal Act issued by the Seoul Central District Court on December 12, 2025.

“Hoon” is likewise the subject of an Interpol Red Notice.

Police said “Hoon” and his associates established a fraudulent scheme in the Philippines in June 2024, using social media to lure victims into investing in a so-called “Minesweeper” betting system that promised guaranteed profits.

At least 15 victims were reportedly defrauded, with total losses reaching KRW 300 million.

“Hoon” allegedly played a central role in recruiting victims, gaining their trust through direct messaging, and directing them to fake websites, where funds were deposited into accounts registered under borrowed identities.

Immigration records showed that “Hong” entered the Philippines in March 2023 on a temporary visitor’s visa, which expired in September 2025, making him an overstaying alien. 

The suspect is also included in the Bureau of Immigration’s blacklist and watchlist for being a fugitive from justice.

Both suspects will be turned over to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for proper documentation and deportation proceedings.

Gollod reiterated the CIDG’s commitment to intensifying operations against foreign fugitives seeking refuge in the Philippines.

He warned that the country will not serve as a safe haven for international criminals.