Sugano Kazushi and Shimoeda Saito had been hiding in the Philippines for several years before their arrest at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on November 16, 2023.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco stated, "They were deported for being undesirable aliens after the Japanese government identified them as fugitives from justice due to their alleged involvement in fraudulent calling activities targeting elderly Japanese as part of a criminal group."
Both Japanese nationals had warrants of arrest issued by the Tokyo Summary Court for their participation in a major telecom fraud group, apart from their alleged membership in the violent Luffy criminal group.
The two began hiding in the Philippines as early as 2019 and were only arrested on November 16, 2023, after being intercepted at NAIA Terminal 3 as they attempted to leave the country.
They spent several months detained at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City before their deportation.
"Their deportation is a significant achievement in our efforts to disrupt criminal networks victimizing unsuspecting individuals. This successful deportation serves as proof of the collaborative partnership and good relationship between the Philippines and Japan. We will not allow our country to be used as a refuge for criminals and syndicates," concluded Tansingco.
(Photo from the Bureau of Immigration)
