MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that two South Korean nationals, Choi Wonchul, 59, and Lee Jihwan, 47, are set to be deported after being arrested in separate operations in the Philippines.
The arrests occurred on January 7 and 8 in Metro Manila and Cebu Province, respectively. According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, both individuals are overstaying their visas and are wanted by South Korean authorities. They are subjects of red notices issued by Interpol.
Choi, arrested on UN Avenue in Ermita, Manila on January 7, is facing embezzlement and fraud charges in South Korea. He allegedly embezzled around US$65,000 from customers while working as a car dealer in 2008. Additionally, he is accused of defrauding others of US$105,000 by falsely claiming he could sell their cars to buyers. Choi is currently under the custody of the Manila Police District.
Lee, arrested in Talisay City, Cebu, is wanted for a violent crime. He faces charges from the Changwon District Court for beating and robbing a compatriot. Lee allegedly attacked the victim with an axe, injuring him severely, before coercing the victim to transfer 10 million Korean won (about US$6,800) into his bank account while the victim was restrained with duct tape.
Both men are subject to deportation and will be banned from re-entering the Philippines. BI officials emphasized that the country will not provide refuge to wanted criminals.