The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently announced the arrest of a Japanese national believed to be the leader of a notorious transnational crime syndicate operating in Asia.
Japanese national Ryuji Yoshioka, 54, was apprehended by operatives of the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) on June 4 in Angeles City, Pampanga.
The agency conducted the operation, in coordination with the Philippine Navy and Northern Luzon Command, pursuant to a summary deportation order issued against the suspect in 2023.
“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.
Yoshioka is reportedly the leader of the JP Dragon Syndicate, a criminal organization based in Japan.
The group is allegedly responsible for orchestrating large-scale theft and telecom fraud schemes with operational bases in Southeast Asia.
The crime syndicate has been linked to a network of illicit activities that have victimized individuals and laundered millions in criminal proceeds, the BI said.
Yoshioka's presence in the country poses a serious threat to public safety and national security, the agency added.
“This individual is a key player in an international crime group. His arrest sends a clear message that the Philippines is not a safe refuge for fugitives,” Viado said.
BI records show that Yoshioka arrived the country in 2022 and has not left since.
The Bureau commended the efforts of the FSU team, led by its Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, for their "vigilance and dedication" in carrying out the operation. “We are proud of our officers whose precise coordination and intelligence-driven approach made this operation successful,” added Viado.