BI nabs Korean cyber gambling fugitive

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a South Korean national wanted by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for allegedly operating a large-scale illegal online gambling syndicate in the Philippines.

In a statement on Thursday, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Cho Yungeon, 52, who also used the alias Cho Min. He was arrested on July 15 at the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City.

The arrest was carried out by operatives of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit in coordination with South Korean authorities, the Philippine National Police-Interpol Group and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.

Cho is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Busan District Court in South Korea. He allegedly operated an illegal online gambling website from Makati City beginning in January 2024.

Authorities said the syndicate accepted bets on local and international sporting events, processed online deposits and paid out winnings based on betting odds. The operation also reportedly offered online casino games, including baccarat.

BI records showed that Cho entered the Philippines in 2019 using a Cambodian passport under the name Cho Min. However, biometric verification later confirmed that he was the same person being sought by South Korean authorities.

Following his arrest, Cho was transferred to the BI Warden Facility, where he will remain in custody while deportation proceedings are being completed.