Chinese fugitive allegedly linked to telecom fraud syndicate nabbed in Parañaque

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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national wanted for his alleged involvement in a telecommunications fraud syndicate in Parañaque City.

In a press release issued on Monday, the BI identified the fugitive as 39-year-old Chen Yongzhou, who was arrested on October 14, 2026.

His arrest was initiated at the request of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, which sought his deportation.

According to the Embassy, Chen is subject to an active warrant for criminal detention issued by the Xinzhan Branch of the Public Security Bureau in Hefei, China.

Chinese authorities allege that Chen was involved in an overseas telecommunications fraud syndicate that operated from 2023 to 2024.

The syndicate reportedly used voice phishing tactics to target victims in China, deceiving them into parting with their money through fraudulent investment schemes.

“They allegedly used a website called ‘WeChat’ to make random voice calls and build relationships with victims under the guise of romance,” BI Fugitive Search Unit Chief Rendel Ryan Sy said.

“They then persuaded victims to send gold to designated recharge points and invest in a fraudulent platform purportedly linked to the Shanghai Gold Exchange,” he added.

Sy noted that the group's fraudulent operations allegedly defrauded victims of over 4.73 million renminbi, or roughly USD 706,000.

BI travel records show that Chen last entered the Philippines as a tourist in June 2018 and was already overstaying at the time of his apprehension.

The BI reported that the suspect remains detained at the Parañaque City Jail due to a pending murder charge before a local Regional Trial Court, a legal proceeding that will run independently of his deportation process.

For his part, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reaffirmed the bureau's commitment to pursuing foreign fugitives and strengthening cooperation with international law enforcement partners.

The Commissioner stressed that the Philippines will not serve as a hiding place for wanted foreigners, assuring that all necessary legal steps will be taken to ensure they face justice. — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/BM, GMA News

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