South Korean Gambling Kingpin Nabbed in Las Piñas Raid

Photo: Bureau of Immigration

On April 14, 2026, Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents apprehended 37-year-old South Korean fugitive Lee Jonghak in Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas City, for allegedly directing a large-scale illegal online gambling operation. The arrest was a joint effort with the Philippine National Police and Korean authorities.

Criminal Activity: Lee is accused of managing at least 23 illegal online gambling platforms since August 2021, generating estimated total earnings exceeding KRW 350 billion ($253 million).

Leadership and Status: Operating as an assistant manager, he reportedly supervised around 300 employees and is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice for violating South Korea's National Sports Promotion Act.

Detention: Following the discovery of his activities, Lee was blacklisted as an undesirable alien and is currently held at the BI Warden Facility in Taguig City pending deportation.

Official Action

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado noted the arrest aligns with directives to intensify efforts against foreign fugitives using the Philippines as a safe haven.