2 SoKor nationals wanted for fraud nabbed in Pampanga

September 7, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Two South Korean fugitives wanted for fraud were recently arrested in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, the Bureau of Immigration said on Monday.

“The Bureau of Immigration will continue to work closely with our international law enforcement partners to ensure that the Philippines will not be a safe haven for fugitives and other undesirable foreign nationals,” said BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

Moon Jongju, 30, was the first to be apprehended by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit on September 1.

He was tagged as the alleged head of a Phnom Penh-based proxy-account fraud ring. He is facing an arrest warrant for fraud in violation of Article 347-(1) of the Criminal Act of the Republic of Korea and an Interpol red notice issued on April 8, 2025.

The BI also issued a watchlist and blacklist order against him on April 22, 2025.

Moon reportedly arrived in the Philippines in January 2025.

He allegedly posed as an investment expert and induced victims to deposit investment funds totaling approximately KRW 11 billion.

Also arrested was Chae Byeonggeon, 29, who is facing an arrest warrant from the Seoul Central District Court for telecommunications-based financial fraud.

Records show that Chae arrived in the Philippines in March 2016.

Both fugitives were turned over to the BI Warden Facility in Taguig City, where they will remain in custody pending the implementation of their deportation orders.