BI hunts down Australian fugitive in BGC

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested 51-year-old Australian national Rishi Levi, who is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, during an operation in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City, on September 9, 2026.

The apprehension was carried out pursuant to a mission order issued on September 8, 2026, and in coordination with the PNP-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IG), Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and Taguig City Police Station.

FSU Chief Rendel Sy said Levi is wanted by Indian authorities in connection with alleged offenses involving criminal conspiracy.

Levi is also the subject of an Interpol Red Notice based on an arrest warrant issued by the Hon’ble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Rouse Avenue District Courts, New Delhi, India, on November 28, 2024.

According to Indian authorities, Levi allegedly facilitated fictitious merchant trade transactions that diverted bank funds. Authorities further allege that he earned approximately USD 430,000 in personal commissions from the transactions, which reportedly resulted in an estimated loss of INR 2.49 billion to the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).

Initial verification of BI records showed that Levi last entered the Philippines on January 4, 2026.

Following his apprehension, Levi was turned over to the BI Warden’s Facility in Taguig City and will face deportation proceedings.

The operation forms part of the BI’s continuing efforts to locate and apprehend foreign nationals wanted by authorities in other countries and strictly enforce Philippine immigration laws, consistent with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado commended the FSU operatives for their diligence and efforts in locating and apprehending Levi.

Viado likewise issued a stern warning to foreign fugitives and other individuals attempting to evade legitimate legal proceedings, stressing that the Philippines will not be a safe haven for fugitives.

“The BI will continue to aggressively pursue and apprehend foreign nationals wanted by authorities in other countries and ensure that they face the appropriate legal and immigration proceedings,” Viado said. #