Philippines Intercepts Two Korean Online Fraud Fugitives
Immigration officers caught two South Koreans wanted in connection with online fraud as they tried to leave the country at Manila's main airport.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Philippine immigration authorities intercepted two South Korean fugitives at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, both subjects of Interpol Red Notices tied to online fraud cases in South Korea. The alleged fraud reportedly raked in more than 3.7 billion won, roughly $2.8 million.
Why it matters
The arrests show how Interpol Red Notices are used to stop suspects at border checkpoints as scam networks operating across Southeast Asia draw in foreign participants. The Philippines has moved to blacklist the two men, which could prevent their re-entry.
Lee Jaeryeon, 32, and An Intae, 29, are held at the Bureau of Immigration detention facility in Taguig City pending deportation proceedings, and both are subjects of Interpol Red Notices tied to South Korean criminal cases. Whether they will ultimately be returned to South Korea or sent elsewhere has not been determined.
The players
Bureau of Immigration (Philippines)
The Philippine government agency responsible for border control, immigration enforcement and the detention of foreign nationals pending deportation.
Interpol
The International Criminal Police Organization, which coordinates cross-border policing and issues Red Notices requesting the location and arrest of fugitives wanted for prosecution.
Joel Anthony Viado
The Philippine Immigration Commissioner who ordered the two foreigners placed on the bureau's blacklist.
The details
Lee is alleged to have worked as an agent and operator for a romance scam syndicate based in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, targeting people who responded to advertisements on Facebook and other platforms and charging them verification and "woman's choice" fees. An is accused of a stock investment scam using fake websites and social media, including KakaoTalk and Instagram, persuading victims to deposit money into accounts he controlled. Immigration officers flagged both men after confirming their Red Notice status, and BI-Interpol acting chief Peter De Guzman reported the interceptions to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
Timeline
2024: Lee allegedly targeted victims through social media advertisements.
March 2026: Bureau of Immigration intercepted Kim Kwangsin at NAIA Terminal 3 as he tried to fly to Taipei.
November 3, 2026: Two South Korean fugitives were intercepted at NAIA Terminal 1.
Legal Context
Southeast Asian romance and investment scam syndicates, including the Sihanoukville operations described here, have drawn repeated law-enforcement action in recent years, with suspects often moving between Cambodia, the Philippines and neighboring countries. Border interceptions tied to Interpol Red Notices have become one of the main tools used to halt those suspects before they leave the region.
Anyone receiving unsolicited investment or romance-related messages on social media should verify individuals and platforms before sending money, since the scams described here relied on fake websites and fees paid to unverified accounts. Victims who have sent funds to suspicious accounts are advised to report the transactions to local police or financial authorities promptly.
The takeaway
Investment and romance offers that arrive through social media and require upfront fees are a common pattern in these schemes, and verifying the seller through independent channels before paying remains the most effective protection. Checking whether a platform or account is legitimate before transferring money can prevent significant losses.
Further reading
For more on how cross-border cases like this are handled, see Financial Crime coverage.
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