Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday reported the recent arrest of a high-profile Chinese fugitive linked to a suspected fraud syndicate, in San Miguel, Manila. In a statement, Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) chief Rendel Ryan Sy said Chen Qingyang, 38, who is wanted in China for major economic crimes, was arrested during a raid Friday afternoon, at the Sunland Building along P. Casal St.
According to Philippines News Agency, the suspect is the subject of an active detention warrant issued by the Quanzhou Public Security Bureau in 2019. Authorities said he embezzled more than CNY 3 million from a Chinese company while serving as its shareholder and legal representative. The stolen funds were allegedly diverted for personal use, including investment purchases and credit card debt payments-acts considered grave economic offenses under Chinese law.
The BI official added the site where Chen was found showed indicators of a suspected fraud syndicate hub, including thousands of gadgets and electronic devices consistent with online fraud or illicit digital operations. During the enforcement sweep with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Special Detection and Field Unit (CIDG-SDFU), operatives discovered 15 other Chinese nationals in the vicinity, who failed to present valid passports or any legitimate immigration documentation when required by authorities.
All 16 individuals face deportation cases for violation of immigration laws and will remain in the BI’s custody during the pendency of their cases. Sy said FSU’s success is part of the BI’s intensified nationwide campaign against fugitives and foreign criminals taking cover in the Philippines.
On the other hand, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commended the FSU for their rapid action, stressing that the operation reflects the Marcos administration’s strong stance against criminal enterprises hiding behind fraudulent identities and illegal operations. ‘This administration has zero tolerance for foreign criminals who treat the Philippines as a sanctuary. Through the expertise of our FSU operatives and the support of law-enforcement partners, we will continue to track, arrest, and remove fugitives and dismantle scam hubs that threaten our communities and national security,’ Viado said.
