DAVAO CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation – Pampanga District Office (NBI-PAMDO), in coordination with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) intelligence unit, arrested four Korean nationals during a raid on an alleged illegal online gambling operation in Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Porac on February 27, 2025.
The operation, conducted under the supervision of NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), was based on a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 81 in Malolos City, Bulacan.
Authorities identified the suspects as Kim Minha, Kim Haesu, Kim Minsuu, and Jang Jin.
The raid yielded various computer devices and online gambling paraphernalia, and the four were formally charged with illegal online gambling under Presidential Decree No. 1602 in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Further investigation revealed that Kim Minha and Kim Haesu were fugitives the South Korean government wanted for their involvement in a voice phishing syndicate. With assistance from INTERPOL, the Korean Embassy, and the Korean National Police Agency, the NBI confirmed that both suspects had Interpol Red Notices issued against them.
The two are facing fraud charges under Article 347-(1) of South Korea’s Criminal Act, with the Chuncheon District Court issuing arrest warrants. Authorities said the suspects have been operating in the Philippines since 2017, posing as bankers in a scheme that defrauded victims of an estimated USD 840,000.
The case is set for trial at RTC Branch 115 in Angeles City. Kim Minha and Kim Haesu are currently detained at the NBI-PAMDO facility pending further legal proceedings.
NBI Director Santiago commended the collaborative effort between the NBI, the PAF, and international partners for the successful enforcement operation. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tracking and apprehending fugitives hiding in the Philippines.
Paul Trajera Palacio, a veteran news anchor got his Mass Communication Curriculum from University of Mindanao-Davao Campus.
He is the current News Anchor of Newsline Philippines.
