The Bureau of Immigration (BI) successfully excluded a Chinese national wanted for voice phishing fraud upon his arrival from Hong Kong.
Li Mingzhu, 32, disembarked a Cebu Pacific flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last April 12 when he was flagged for verification by immigration officers.
He was found to be the subject of an Interpol Red Notice for his alleged involvement in voice phishing fraud.
According to the report received by the BI, Li installed 31 mobile phones equipped with call masking functions in his vehicle to facilitate the voice phishing scheme. These phones were used to deceive individuals by displaying fake numbers on their screens during the fraudulent calls.
His acts were said to have mediated a voice phishing organization making phone calls deceiving other people.
The crime was said to have occurred in South Korea, prompting their government to issue an arrest warrant against Li.
In April 2023, the Suwon District Prosecutor’s Office in Korea ordered his arrest for violation of their Telecommunications Business act.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco emphasized the importance of collaboration in preventing such crimes. “This case underscores the necessity of international cooperation in combating transnational crimes like voice phishing,” Commissioner Tansingco stated.
Li was excluded and was subsequently returned to Hong Kong. His name was then included in the BI’s blacklist, barring any future attempts of re-entry.
“We remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent individuals involved in fraudulent activities from entering our country,” Commissioner Tansingco added. “The BI is committed to upholding the integrity of our borders and protecting the public from such criminal elements.”
