BI deports two Japanese fugitives

Source: The Manila times
Author: William B. Depasupil

MANILA, Philippines: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported on Tuesday two alleged Japanese fraudsters who hid in the Philippines for years to avoid arrest in Japan.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the fugitives as Sugano Kazushi and Shimoeda Saito.

"They were deported for being undesirable aliens after the Japanese government tagged them as fugitives from justice for reportedly working as fraudulent callers for a criminal group victimizing elderly Japanese," Tansingco said.

The two were ordered arrested by the Tokyo Summary Court for being part of a large-scale telecom fraud group.

Tangsingco, said the BI has reason to believe that the duo may be part of the infamous Luffy group, which committed a string of violent crimes in Japan.

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The two have been hiding in the Philippines since 2019.

Shimoeda Saito made headlines last November 16, 2023 after being intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 while he was attempting to flee.

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"Their deportation is a significant achievement in our efforts to disrupt criminal networks victimizing unsuspecting individuals," said Tansingco. "This successful deportation is a testament to the collaborative partnership and good relationship between the Philippines and Japan. We will not allow our country to be used as a hiding ground for criminals and syndicates," he added.