A JAPANESE fugitive believed to be the leader of a major transnational crime syndicate was arrested in the Philippines on June 4, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.
Ryuji Yoshioka, 54, was apprehended in Angeles City, Pampanga by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit, with support from the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Yoshiokq is alleged to head the JP Dragon Syndicate, a Japan-based criminal group involved in large-scale telecom fraud, theft, and money laundering operations across Southeast Asia.
The arrest was carried out based on a 2023 deportation order, and Yoshioka is also the subject of an active warrant of arrest in Japan.
Authorities described him as a serious threat to public safety and national security.
“This is a significant victory not only for the BI but for the entire country,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
“Yoshioka’s arrest is a testament to our commitment to uphold justice and protect the Philippines from becoming a haven for international fugitives. We will not allow criminals fleeing justice in their own countries to hide within our borders,” he added.
BI records show Yoshioka entered the Philippines in 2022 and had remained in the country since.
He is now detained at the BI Warden Facility, pending deportation.
The BI commended the Fugitive Search Unit, led by Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, for its coordinated and intelligence-driven operation. (JGS/SunStar Philippines)