BI arrests South Korean gambling lord in Las Piñas
A South Korean fugitive wanted for alleged involvement in illegal online gambling operations has been arrested in Las Piñas City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday.
According to the BI, the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Lee Jong-hak, was arrested on April 14 in Barangay Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas, by the agency’s fugitive search unit in coordination with the Korean National Police Agency and the Philippine National Police.
Lee’s arrest stems from a red notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol in 2025, which reflected an arrest warrant released by the Incheon District Court for violations of South Korea’s National Sports Promotion Act related to illegal online gambling operations.
Records showed that Lee and his accomplices allegedly operated at least 23 illegal online gambling websites from different locations.
The group allegedly managed sports betting and casino-style games, recruited members and facilitated financial transactions, which allowed them to generate over KRW5.33 billion ($3.6 million) in profits, with earnings estimated to have exceeded KRW350 billion ($238 million).
Records from the BI showed that Lee last arrived in the Philippines in 2024 and was admitted under a probationary permanent resident visa. However, he was later included in the bureau’s blacklist and watch list as an undesirable alien and fugitive from justice.
“This arrest demonstrates our strengthened coordination with international law enforcement agencies and our unwavering commitment to protect the country from transnational crimes, particularly illegal online gambling operations that exploit our systems and communities,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a statement.
