Taguig city: An Australian national wanted by Indian authorities was arrested in Taguig City by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU). In a news release Thursday, FSU Chief Rendel Sy stated that Rishi Levi, 59, was apprehended in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the foreigner is the subject of an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Red Notice based on an arrest warrant issued by the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Rouse Avenue District Courts in New Delhi, India on Nov. 28, 2024. The warrant is in connection with alleged offenses involving criminal conspiracy.

Indian authorities allege that Levi facilitated fictitious merchant trade transactions that diverted bank funds. It is further alleged that he earned approximately USD430,000 in personal commissions from these transactions, which reportedly led to an estimated loss of 2.49 billion Indian rupees to the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India.

BI records indicate that Levi entered the Philippines on Jan. 4. Following his arrest, he was turned over to the BI Warden's Facility in Taguig City and will undergo deportation proceedings.

Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commended the FSU operatives for their diligence in locating and apprehending the foreign national. He issued a stern warning to foreign fugitives and others attempting to evade legitimate legal proceedings, emphasizing that the Philippines will not serve as a haven for fugitives.

'The BI will continue to aggressively pursue and apprehend foreign nationals wanted by authorities in other countries and ensure that they face the appropriate legal and immigration proceedings,' Viado stated.