Pasay city: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday announced the apprehension of two Japanese nationals wanted in Japan for fraud. The arrest occurred during an operation in Pasay City, targeting individuals involved in financial scams.

According to Philippines News Agency, agents from the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), in collaboration with the National Police Agency of Japan, arrested Oi Takumi, 30, and Okada Sho, 27, along Roxas Boulevard on Tuesday. The two individuals are the subjects of active arrest warrants issued by the Kokura Summary Court in Japan earlier this month. They are accused of fraud under the Japanese Penal Code, specifically for allegedly conspiring to execute a financial scam by impersonating law enforcement officers.

The operation was the result of close coordination with Japanese authorities, who requested the preservation of digital evidence, such as mobile phones and computers, to aid in ongoing investigations. This evidence is believed to be crucial in unraveling the details of the alleged scam.

Immigration records reveal that the two Japanese nationals entered the Philippines in January this year as temporary visitors. However, they did not extend or update their stay, leading to their classification as overstaying aliens. This status contributed to the grounds for their deportation.

The suspects are currently held at the BI Warden Facility, where they will face deportation proceedings. The Bureau of Immigration has assured that the deportation case against them will be pursued diligently, in compliance with existing legal protocols.