6 days ago
BI nabs Chinese wanted for large-scale fraud
A Chinese fugitive wanted in his country for alleged large-scale telecommunications fraud was arrested by immigration authorities in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Identified as Zhao Jianfeng, the foreigner was nabbed in an operation on June 28 in a residential area under a detention warrant issued by the Liangqing Branch of the Nanning Municipal Public Security Bureau in China in June. He was detained at the BI detention facility in Taguig while awaiting deportation proceedings.
Chinese authorities said Zhao was allegedly one of the core members of a transnational criminal syndicate involved in telecom and online investment scams targeting Chinese citizens. All suspects were reportedly based in the Philippines at the time the crimes were committed.
The operation was conducted in coordination with local intelligence units.
'This individual is part of a dangerous and organized network that has defrauded countless victims online. His continued presence in the country poses a clear and serious threat to public safety,' said BI Commissioner Joel Viado.
'This arrest sends a strong message — the Philippines is not a safe haven for foreign fugitives,' he said.
Other suspects arrested were five Chinese nationals who were allegedly caught in the act of manning computer workstations believed to be used for telecom fraud. They were identified as Song Genyuan, Wu Xinxu, Wen Jing, Xu Yongcheng, and Lin Jinyang.
'All suspects are currently undergoing booking and documentation. They will be turned over to the BI Warden Facility in preparation for deportation proceedings,' said Viado.
'We are closely coordinating with the Chinese government to ensure that these fugitives are returned to face justice in their home country,' he added.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News
