Two suspected members of a crime ring tagged in violent robberies in Japan have been deported on Tuesday.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that Fujita Toshiya and Imamura Kiyoto, both 38 years old, have been deported on board a Japan Airlines to Tokyo.
Tansingco relayed that they have prepared maximum security to ensure smooth deportation of the high profile criminals.
Both Fujita and Imamura have been tagged by the Japanese government as fugitives from justice, for having warrants issued against them.
Fujita was apprehended by the BI Fugitive Search Unit headed by Rendel Ryan Sy at Barangay Anilao Proper in Mabini Batangas last February 21, 2021, and has been tagged by Japanese authorities as a senior member of an organized fraud group, phone scam. An arrest warrant reportedly issued against him in Tokyo.
Sy said Imamura was arrested a day after Christmas in 2019, after attempting to depart at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, via a Cebu Pacific flight bound for Macau. He reportedly faces a warrant of arrest in his country for theft.
Both faced a local case in the Philippines which was subsequently dismissed.
The duo were deported for violation of terms and conditions of their visa for being a fugitive, as well as being a risk to public interest.
“While the identity of “Luffy” is not yet confirmed, we are working with the Department of Justice and the Japanese authorities to be able to expedite the deportation to give more clarity to this case,” said Tansingco.
The two other key suspects remain in the BI’s facility in Bicutan pending the resolution of their local cases. They will immediately deported once we receive confirmation that their cases has been resolved.
“The arrest and deportation of these fugitives is a huge win for the Philippine government, as we will not rest until these international criminals are sent back and banned from our country,” said Tansingco. (JERRY S. TAN)
