A South Korean fugitive wanted for running an illegal online gambling network was arrested in Las Piñas City, marking a significant boost in the Philippines’ crackdown on transnational crime.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed the arrest following coordinated intelligence efforts with international law enforcement agencies.
The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit identified the suspect as 37-year-old Lee Jonghak, who was apprehended on April 14, 2026 inside a residential subdivision.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrest highlights the agency’s strengthened collaboration with global partners to prevent foreign fugitives from exploiting the country as a safe haven. He stressed that illegal online gambling operations not only undermine financial systems but also pose broader risks to local communities.
Authorities in South Korea reported that Lee and his group had been operating at least 23 illicit gambling websites since August 2021. The syndicate allegedly handled recruitment and financial transactions, generating over KRW 5.33 billion, with total earnings believed to have exceeded KRW 350 billion.
The scale of the operation prompted the Incheon District Court to issue an arrest warrant in 2025 for violations of South Korea’s National Sports Promotion Act. Interpol also issued a Red Notice against Lee the same year.
BI records showed Lee entered the Philippines in 2024 under a probationary permanent resident visa. He was later flagged, blacklisted, and placed on the agency’s watchlist as an undesirable alien and fugitive from justice.