Bureau of Immigration Thwarts Japanese Fugitive’s Escape Attempt

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has prevented a Japanese national wanted for theft from fleeing the Philippines. The apprehension occurred during his attempted departure to Nagoya, Japan, as reported on Friday by BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

According to Philippines News Agency, 25, tried to distract immigration officials by bumping his head on the counter and feigning distress upon realizing he was on the alert list. The BI supervisor confirmed that Shimoeda was the subject of an arrest warrant from the Tokyo Summary Court for involvement in a large-scale telecom fraud group. Shimoeda, who is wanted for theft in Japan, is currently detained at the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig, awaiting deportation. He reportedly entered the Philippines in 2019 and has been evading arrest while working for a criminal group targeting Japanese citizens. Tansingco emphasized that the Philippines is not a safe haven for foreign fugitives and that the government is committed to cooperating with international authorities for the resolution of such cases. Shimoeda has been blacklisted and is now classified as an undesirable alien by Philippine immigration authorities.