LAS PIÑAS:Two South Korean nationals wanted for serious crimes in their home country were arrested in separate operations in Las Piñas City and Pampanga province, as announced by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nam Sundong, 37, was captured at his residence in Manuyo Dos, Las Piñas City on September 20 by officers from the BI Fugitive Search Unit. On the same day, Lee Hyunhak, 23, was apprehended along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Clark, Pampanga. Both arrests involved individuals who had already had their passports revoked by the Korean government and are now detained at the BI facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City, awaiting deportation proceedings.
Nam is reportedly wanted in South Korea for operating illegal gambling establishments, a violation of the country’s stringent anti-criminality laws. His activities prompted the issuance of an Interpol red notice and a warrant of arrest by the Ulsan District Court in 2023. Meanwhile, Lee is accused
of smuggling 480 grams of shabu-a methamphetamine-into Korea, with the narcotics valued at 500,000 Korean won (approximately PHP208,000). His criminal activities led to an Interpol red notice earlier this month, following a warrant of arrest from the Busan District Court.
The arrests highlight ongoing international cooperation in the apprehension and extradition of fugitives accused of serious offenses. Both individuals are currently held under tight security as they await the conclusion of legal procedures for their deportation back to South Korea to face charges.