MANILA – A South Korean national, identified as a suspect in a financial fraud case, is awaiting deportation following his arrest in the Philippines, as confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
According to Philippines News Agency, You Hyun Tea, 53, was apprehended at his residence in Cordova, Cebu on June 4 by the BI’s fugitive search unit. You's arrest was executed under a deportation warrant related to charges of fraud and violations of Korea's electronic financial transactions act. The Mokpo branch of the Gwangju District Court in South Korea issued an arrest warrant for You on February 15, 2020, after his indictment. Tansingco noted that You is also on the immigration blacklist, permanently barring him from re-entering the Philippines.
South Korean authorities have accused You of participating in an illegal online sports gambling operation that defrauded numerous individuals. The operation promised substantial profits and dividends to investors but ultimately amassed over 110 million won (approximately USD 80,000) for the syndicate. Currently, You is detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending his deportation, which was ordered by the BI in 2021.
You Hyun Tea arrived in the Philippines on May 30, 2003, and has remained in the country since, without any official departure. Following the revocation of his passport by South Korean authorities, You became an undocumented alien. "This time, we will make sure that this overstaying alien and wanted fugitive is deported to his country so he can stand trial and be made to pay for his alleged crimes," Commissioner Tansingco stated.