BI denies entry to Interpol-flagged South Korean at NAIA 3

October 1, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) blocked an Interpol-flagged South Korean national, Lee Yongsoo, 31, at NAIA Terminal 3 upon his arrival from Japan. Flagged for alleged money laundering involvement, Lee was swiftly intercepted using the BI’s Advance Passenger Information System and immediately returned to his country of origin.

The Bureau of Immigration has recently denied entry to a South Korean national who was flagged by the Interpol at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Lee Yongsoo, 31, was the subject of an Interpol alert over his alleged involvement in money laundering, including the alleged distribution of illegally obtained bank accounts for use in money laundering.

The BI’s Advance Passenger Information System Operation Center detected his arrival at the NAIA Terminal 3 on September 29, 2026 aboard a Cebu Pacific flight from Japan.

Upon confirming the alert, concerned BI personnel were notified, who denied him entry and turned him over to the airline company for his immediate return to his country of origin.

“Our borders are increasingly protected by technology, intelligence, and real-time coordination. Those with criminal records or ill intent should not expect to gain entry into the Philippines,” BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.