BI arrests Korean fugitive posing as Pinoy, tagged as mastermind of $840,000 voice phishing scam

Alaminos City- In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the campaign against transnational crime and protect the integrity of Philippine borders, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Korean national wanted for large-scale fraud and tagged as a fugitive from justice in his home country.

According to BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, operatives conducted an enforcement operation last February 26 in Barangay Palamis, Alaminos City, Pangasinan, resulting in the arrest of 40-year-old Korean national Moon Hayoung.

The operation was carried out in coordination with Korean authorities, the Alaminos City Police Station, and government intelligence forces.

Moon is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued following an arrest warrant from the Suwon District Court for fraud. He is charged with violating Article 347(1) of Korea’s Criminal Act.

According to reports, Moon established voice phishing operations in January 2017, with members posing as representatives of a major bank in Korea.

The group allegedly defrauded victims of approximately USD 840,000. Authorities identified him as the “boss” of the organization — the ringleader who organized the group, provided funding, and set up facilities used in the scam.

During the arrest, authorities also discovered that Moon was in possession of a fraudulently acquired Philippine passport under the name Jonathan Martinez Park. He was likewise reported to own several resort properties in Batangas and Pangasinan.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued a strong warning following the arrest.

“Foreigners who use false identities to evade arrest will face the full force of the law. We will not allow anyone to abuse our hospitality, exploit our legal systems, or take advantage of the privileges extended to legitimate visitors.”

The Commissioner commended the FSU and partner agencies for the successful operation, emphasizing that the Bureau remains relentless in its mandate to safeguard national security and uphold the rule of law.

Moon will be held at the BI Warden Facility pending deportation proceedings