Philippine authorities arrest South Korean gambling fugitive
A South Korean national wanted by Interpol for allegedly operating an illegal online gambling syndicate has been arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City while attempting to leave the Philippines, after authorities said he had been living in the country under a false identity.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said 52-year-old Cho Yungeon, who also used the name Cho Min, was arrested on Wednesday at the departure area of NAIA Terminal 1 by operatives from its Fugitive Search Unit (FSU). The operation was carried out in coordination with South Korean authorities, the Philippine National Police-Interpol Group (PNP-IG), and the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC).
According to the BI, the arrest followed intelligence shared by South Korean authorities. The South Korean national is wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Busan District Court. Authorities alleged that he operated an illegal online gambling website from Makati City beginning in January 2024.
The syndicate allegedly accepted wagers on domestic and international sporting events, processed online deposits, paid winnings based on betting odds and offered online casino games, including baccarat. An Interpol Red Notice was later issued against him.
“This arrest sends a clear message that the Philippines will not serve as a sanctuary for cybercriminals and international fugitives hiding behind false identities,” Joel Anthony Viado, BI Commissioner, said.
“Those who exploit our immigration system to evade justice will be found, arrested, and removed from our country. Through our close cooperation with international law enforcement partners, we will continue to hunt down foreign fugitives who threaten public order and the integrity of our borders,” he added.
Fake Cambodian identity uncovered
Immigration records showed that Cho entered the Philippines in 2019 using a Cambodian passport under the name Cho Min.
FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy said the operation was initiated after Korean authorities shared intelligence identifying Cho’s location in the Philippines and sought the bureau’s assistance in effecting his arrest.
Following his arrest, Cho was transferred to the BI Warden Facility, where he will remain pending deportation proceedings. Once deported, he is expected to face the criminal case filed against him in South Korea in connection with the alleged operation of the online gambling syndicate.
Continued crackdown on foreign fugitives
The latest arrest adds to a series of operations by Philippine authorities targeting foreign nationals accused of cybercrime, online gambling and fraud.
The Philippine government has stepped up cooperation with overseas law enforcement agencies following the nationwide crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and related criminal activities.
Authorities have increasingly relied on intelligence sharing, biometric verification and coordination with Interpol to locate foreign fugitives believed to be hiding in the Philippines under assumed identities.
The BI has repeatedly said foreign nationals who violate Philippine immigration laws or are wanted abroad will face deportation after the completion of local legal proceedings.
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