Operatives from the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested a Japanese national allegedly affiliated with the notorious “Luffy” criminal syndicate.

The operation, conducted on August 1 at a residential area in Taguig, was carried out in coordination with the National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan and the Philippine National Police ? Intelligence Group (PNP-IG).

Arrested was Kensuke Kudo, 28, a Japanese national wanted in Tokyo for his involvement in a massive fraud operation. Kudo was apprehended pursuant to existing immigration warrants and derogatory records.

A warrant of arrest was issued against Kudo by the Tokyo Summary Court in January for theft in violation of the Japanese Penal Code.

Reports from Japanese authorities revealed that Kudo and his accomplices posed as law enforcement officers to deceive elderly victims into surrendering their ATM cards and personal information. The group then allegedly used the stolen data to withdraw large sums of money without authorization.

“The arrest of Kudo is a major step forward in dismantling foreign criminal syndicates exploiting Philippine territory,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “President Marcos has made it clear: the Philippines will not be a safe haven for fugitives. We are acting on that directive with resolve.”

Kudo is reportedly among the remaining active members of the “Luffy” syndicate?a Japan-based criminal network that operated from the Philippines and is believed to have amassed over \1 billion through theft, fraud, and related cybercrimes. A series of joint operations between Philippine and Japanese authorities has dismantled much of the organization.

Further investigation revealed that Kudo’s Japanese passport expired on October 4, 2024, and he had not filed any application for renewal, rendering him an overstaying and undesirable alien. A formal communication from the Embassy of Japan in Manila also classified him as a fugitive posing a threat to public safety and security.

The arrested individual was turned over to the BI Warden Facility for booking and documentation procedures, pending deportation proceedings. BI Communications