MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) operatives, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), arrested Japanese national Ohnishi Kentaro, 47, in Angeles City, Pampanga, for his alleged involvement with the notorious Luffy syndicate.
The arrest took place Thursday along Friendship Highway in Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City. Ohnishi was flagged as an undesirable alien after the Japanese government informed the Bureau of Immigration about a 2022 arrest warrant issued by the Tokyo Summary Court for theft under the Japanese Penal Code.
Ohnishi and his accomplices reportedly stole ATM cards by impersonating law enforcement officers. They deceived elderly victims into handing over their bank cards and personal information under the pretense of police investigations. This scheme allowed the group to conduct unauthorized ATM withdrawals, amassing significant stolen assets.
The Luffy syndicate, to which Ohnishi is one of the last remaining members, has been largely dismantled following several operations by the BI FSU. Japanese authorities estimate the group generated over ¥1 billion through theft, fraud, and other illegal activities.
Ohnishi Kentaro is currently in BI custody and will face deportation proceedings.
