Nigerian, South Korean Fraud Suspects Arrested in the Philippines

Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

Four individuals, two Nigerian and two South Korean nationals, were arrested by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) in connection with financial fraud activities in Muntinlupa City and Angeles City. Nigerian nationals Lawale Olatunji Adedayo and Dauzuo Jerome Atigbi were found with multiple passports containing false information. Meanwhile, South Koreans Lee Younho and Hong Hoon Kyu faced charges related to illegal gambling and a fraudulent operation, respectively.

Get today's headlines by email

The operation was initiated following assistance requests from a Philippine financial institution, which reported fraudulent remittance claims. Investigations revealed that Atigbi used counterfeit identities to illicitly claim funds as legitimate remittance recipients. Both Nigerians were identified as overstaying in the Philippines, adding to their legal troubles.

In Angeles City, the BI apprehended Lee and Hong for separate criminal activities. Lee was wanted by the Suwon District Court for running an illegal online gambling platform that earned billions in illicit proceeds. He was also subject to an Interpol red notice. Hong's charges stemmed from orchestrating a “Minesweeper” betting scam that duped victims into transferring KRW 300 million.

Join the discussion?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Manila Bulletin · 01 Apr 2026