PHILIPPINE immigration authorities have intercepted two South Korean fugitives wanted for their alleged involvement in online fraud that reportedly raked in more than 3.7 billion won, roughly $2.8 million (around P160 million).
The two suspects, identified as Lee Jaeryeon, 32, and An Intae, 29, were separately intercepted by Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 while preparing to board flights to Vietnam.
Immigration officers flagged the two after confirming they were subjects of International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Red Notices issued in connection with criminal cases filed against them in South Korea.
BI-Interpol acting chief Peter De Guzman reported the interceptions to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, who ordered the bureau to place the two foreigners on its blacklist to prevent their return to the Philippines.
Investigators accused Lee of working as an agent and operator for a romance scam syndicate based in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
In 2024, Lee allegedly targeted people who responded to the group’s advertisements on Facebook and other social media platforms, building romantic relationships with unsuspecting victims before directing them to a fraudulent website.
Victims were then allegedly made to pay charges, including so-called verification and “woman’s choice” fees, with the money collected by the website’s administrator.
An, meanwhile, was allegedly involved in a stock investment scam that used fake websites and social media platforms, including KakaoTalk and Instagram, to lure investors with fraudulent investment opportunities.
Authorities said victims were persuaded to deposit money into bank accounts owned or controlled by An and his accomplices.
The latest interceptions underscore the growing reach of Southeast Asia-based online fraud networks, which exploit social media, fake investment platforms and fabricated romantic relationships to defraud victims across borders.
The Philippines has repeatedly encountered foreigners allegedly involved in similar operations, prompting intensified immigration and law enforcement operations against online scam hubs and fugitives.
In March 2026, the BI reported intercepting another South Korean, Kim Kwangsin, at NAIA Terminal 3 as he tried to fly to Taipei.
Kim was wanted over an alleged stock investment scam syndicate operating in Cambodia that reportedly defrauded at least 57 victims, mostly South Koreans, of more than 3.5 billion won.
In May 2026, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also dismantled an alleged online love-scamming and cryptocurrency fraud operation in Parañaque City, arresting 17 people, including three foreigners.
Investigators said the operation used fake online identities, dating applications, and deceptive romantic approaches to gain victims’ trust and induce them to send money.
On July 21, 2026, the NBI announced the arrest of a Nigerian allegedly involved in an online love scam, following an investigation into the sale of pre-registered SIM cards to suspected operators of scam hubs and other cybercriminals.
Viado said the BI would not allow the Philippines to become a transit point or refuge for foreign nationals wanted for transnational crimes.
“Fraud syndicates operate across borders, and our response must be just as coordinated. We will not allow individuals linked to these criminal networks to pass through our airports unchecked or use the Philippines to evade accountability,” he said.
The two South Koreans are currently detained at the BI detention facility in Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.
