BI nabs alleged JP Dragon crime syndicate leader in Cabanatuan

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A Japanese fugitive, reportedly among the leaders of the transnational criminal syndicate JP Dragon, was arrested during an operation in Cabanatuan City on October 31, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday.

The bureau identified the Japanese citizen as 57-year-old Yamamoto Yoshitama, who is wanted in Japan for fraud, theft, and attempted theft under an arrest warrant issued by the Fukuoka Summary Court on December 27, 2022.

According to BI Fugitive Search Unit Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, Yamamoto was allegedly among the leaders of JP Dragon, a Japan-based criminal syndicate "composed largely of former yakuza members and believed to operate primarily in Metro Manila."

“The group has been linked to sophisticated telephone fraud schemes targeting elderly Japanese citizens. Its members allegedly impersonate police officers to deceive victims into surrendering their ATM cards and banking information,” BI said.

“Japanese investigators suspect that the syndicate defrauded approximately 250 victims of around ¥900 million (around Php362 million) since 2019,” it added.

Yamamoto is expected to be held at the BI Warden’s Facility while awaiting deportation proceedings.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the Philippines will not be a "safe haven" for foreign fugitives, adding that the bureau will ensure the country's borders remain secure against international criminals seeking refuge.

The BI said it remains committed to sustaining its operations against foreign fugitives and maintaining close coordination with local and international law enforcement agencies. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/RF, GMA News