NBI Philippines Arrests Korean Fugitive Wanted for Fraud

Manila – Philippine authorities have arrested a South Korean national wanted for fraud in his home country, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Tuesday.

The fugitive, identified as Kim Yooshik, also known as Kim Yoosik, was apprehended in Malate, Manila in a joint operation between the NBI’s Organized and Transnational Crimes Division (OTCD) and the Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU), under the supervision of NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, Kim is an overstaying and undesirable alien who poses a risk to public safety.

The South Korean Embassy in Manila had earlier informed authorities that Kim is a fugitive from justice, citing an official communication dated April 17, 2023.

Interpol has issued a Blue Notice against Kim, who is subject to an arrest warrant in South Korea for alleged fraud under Article 347-(1) of the country’s Criminal Act. He is accused of defrauding a victim of over KRW 10 million (approximately USD7,300) in an investment scam dating back to October 14, 2008.

Further checks revealed that Kim is the subject of a Bureau of Immigration blacklist order issued on June 22, 2023, and a watchlist order dated April 5, 2023, both citing his fugitive status.

Local criminal records also indicate that Kim has an outstanding arrest warrant in the Philippines for estafa, a form of fraud. He has also faced prior charges including falsification of public documents, malicious mischief, grave threat, damage to property, and human trafficking, according to the NBI.

Kim is currently in custody at the NBI-OTCD office pending further investigation and processing, after which he will be turned over to the Bureau of Immigration.