BI nabs two Korean fugitives behind multimillion online gambling syndicates

MAKATI CITY— In a dramatic enforcement sweep, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) has arrested two high-profile Korean fugitives involved in illegal online gambling operations across Asia. The arrest is in line with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s directive to arrest and deport foreign fugitives seeking refuge in the country.

The BI identified the first suspect as Seo Hyemi, 38, was apprehended along Ayala Avenue, Makati City on November 6.

According to Korean authorities, Seo is a senior operational mastermind behind 23 online gambling platforms, including websites offering sports betting and casino-style games such as baccarat and Powerball. She was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued in May 2025, following an arrest warrant from the Incheon District Court for violations of South Korea’s National Sports Promotion Act, including running unlicensed gambling websites and laundering proceeds.

FSU reports indicate that Seo oversaw recruitment, managed player accounts, and promoted websites that catered to thousands of bettors. She entered the Philippines in September 2021 as a temporary visitor but is already overstaying. She is listed under both a BI blacklist and watchlist order.

Meanwhile, in a second operation the following day, FSU agents, in coordination with Korean authorities and the PNP Intelligence Group, arrested Park Unbae, 48, along Teodoro Evangelista Street in Parañaque City.

Park is wanted by the Busan District Court and Eujeongbu District Court for setting up illegal gambling operations and violating the National Sports Promotion Act of South Korea. An Interpol Red Notice was issued against him in August 2025.

Park and his accomplices operated a website that allows its users to place wagers on global sporting events, offering hundreds of games and processing winnings and payments.

Park arrived in the Philippines on March 31, 2023, and is already overstaying. He is also listed under a BI blacklist and watchlist order.

Both fugitives were immediately transported to the BI Warden Facility in Bicutan, Taguig City for booking, documentation, and verification, pending deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado hailed the back-to-back arrests as a major success for the Bureau’s fugitive tracking operations.

“These operations send a clear message: the Philippines is not a safe haven for foreign fugitives,” Viado said. “Through strong coordination with international law enforcement, we will continue to locate and apprehend those who think they can evade justice.” #