AGENTS of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have arrested 46 Chinese nationals wanted by authorities in Beijing for economic crimes.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente in a statement on Sunday, September 30, said the aliens were arrested in two operations conducted by the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) on September 14 in a condominium in Makati and in a house in Ayala Alabang village in Muntinlupa.

According to Morente, the Chinese nationals were caught in the act of engaging in cyber fraud operations in call centers that they illegally operated while in the country.

“We received information from the Chinese authorities that these fugitives are hiding in the Philippines."

“We immediately conducted our investigation upon receipt of information, and discovered that there were more fugitives involved conducting their illegal activities,” he added.

All the 46 Chinese nationals are now undergoing deportation proceedings for violating the Philippine Immigration Act, according to Morente.

The BI said majority of the arrested are undocumented aliens. Their passports have already been cancelled by the Chinese government.

Morente credits the arrest of the fugitives to the strong cooperation between the BI and the Chinese Embassy.

"Our cooperation with our foreign counterparts helps us secure and protect our country from these undesirable aliens,” said Morente.

“We have strong ties with other foreign embassies and the Interpol as well, and are receiving information about fugitives who attempt to use the country as a hideout,” he added.

The arrested aliens will soon be deported to China so they can face trial for their charges.

They will be banned from re-entering the Philippines according to the BI. (SunStar Philippines)