BI arrests 29-year-old Korean fugitive wanted for illegal online gambling

August 23, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

A South Korean national wanted in her home country for allegedly operating illegal online gambling wesbites was recently arrested in General Trias City, Cavite, the Bureau of Immigration said.

Kim Youngsun, 29, was apprehended in the afternoon of August 7 at a residential area in Barangay Buenavista I in General Trias City by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit.

This was after the Philippine National Police’s Intelligence Group sought assistance in locating Kim, who is facing an arrest warrant from the Incheon District Court in South Korea on April 22, 2025 for allegedly opening and operating a cyber gambling house in violation of South Korean laws.

Kim was allegedly involved in the operation of 23 illegal online gambling websites from offices in Pasay City and Quezon City beginning in November 2018.

She allegedly served as an assistant manager of the support team and supervised several operational units involved in the gambling operation.

Authorities estimate that the syndicate generated approximately KRW 5.33 trillion in illegal proceeds through online sports betting and other gambling activities.

An Interpol Red Notice concerning Kim was subsequently published in June 2025.

BI records also showed that Kim entered the Philippines in 2025, as a temporary visitor. Her authorized stay already earlier expired, making her an overstaying foreign national.

Kim was brought to the BI for booking and documentation and will be held at the BI’s Warden Facility for custodial proceedings.