Four South Korean nationals arrested for illegal online gambling in the Philippines
The Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation-Pampanga District Office (NBI-PAMDO) and military intelligence personnel from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) arrested four Korean nationals for illegal online gambling during a raid in Porac, Pampanga.
NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) identified the suspects as Kim Minha, Kim Haesu, Kim Minsuu, and Jang Jin. The operation was conducted under his guidance and supervision after authorities obtained a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD). The raid took place at a condominium in Barangay Sta. Cruz on 27 February following intelligence reports that the premises were being used as an unlicensed online gambling hub. Law enforcement officials seized computer devices and other gambling paraphernalia during the operation.
Two of the arrested are wanted fugitives
Further investigation revealed that two of the arrested individuals, Kim Minha and Kim Haesu, are fugitives wanted in South Korea for fraud. The NBI confirmed that both individuals have been issued Interpol Red Notices and are being sought by the Korean government for prosecution.
“Based on records, Kim Minha and Kim Haesu are members of a Korean voice phishing syndicate that has been operating in the Philippines since 2017,” the NBI said in a statement. “They defrauded their victims by posing as bankers, amassing approximately $840,000 from their scams.”
The Chuncheon District Court of the Republic of Korea has issued an arrest warrant for fraud (Criminal Act 347-(1)) against the two fugitives.
Charges filed against suspects
The four arrested individuals have been indicted for illegal online gambling under Presidential Decree No. 1602 in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The case is scheduled for trial at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 115 in Angeles City.
Meanwhile, Kim Minha and Kim Haesu remain in custody at the NBI-PAMDO facility.
NBI commends international cooperation
NBI Director Santiago praised the successful operation and the collaboration between local authorities and international agencies. The NBI worked closely with Interpol, the Korean Embassy, and the Korean National Police Agency to track down the suspects.
The arrests highlight the ongoing crackdown on illegal online gambling and international fraud operations in the Philippines. Authorities have vowed to continue efforts to dismantle illicit networks operating within the country. Last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the ban on all offshore gaming operations in the country.
Stay in the loop and join the biggest iGaming Community in the world with SiGMA’s Top 10 news countdown. Subscribe HERE for weekly updates from the world’s iGaming authority and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
