A South Korean man, wanted in Seoul for a series of crimes related to counterfeit currency trading, has been arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The suspect, 26-year-old Jang Junseok, was intercepted at NAIA Terminal 1 on 7th April while attempting to board a Philippine Airlines flight to Busan, South Korea. His arrest was triggered by a hit in the BI’s derogatory list, indicating he was subject to a watchlist order from the bureau and a red notice issued by Interpol.
Jang was subsequently detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending deportation proceedings.
According to Jaime Bustamante, the acting chief of BI-Interpol, a warrant for Jang’s arrest was issued by the Daegu district court in South Korea on 28th February 2024, following charges of possession and trading counterfeit currency.
Authorities have described Jang as a professional counterfeiter who forged South Korean banknotes, used them freely, and engaged in activities that disrupted social order. Despite having six prior convictions for the same offence and being released on parole in 2023, Jang allegedly continued to forge banknotes. He used a pseudonym to deceive his victims, offering them fake banknotes at lower prices than genuine notes.
The value of the currency notes he allegedly forged is estimated to be more than 30 million won, or about US$22,000.