By Robina Asido

A Japanese fugitive who is an alleged member of the JP Dragon syndicate was arrested by Immigration authorities in Quezon City on Tuesday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Wednesday.

BI said Daisuke Ikeno, 50, was arrested along Quirino Highway in Barangay Santa Monica, Novaliches based on a warrant of arrest issued by the Fukuoka Summary Court on March 23, 2025, for theft in violation of Article 248 of the Japanese Penal Code.

"Ikeno faces deportation after BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado received information from Japanese authorities on cases filed against the fugitive," the Bureau said.

"Ikeno was transferred to the BI’s facility in Taguig pending deportation proceedings," it stated.

BI said their data shows Ikeno has been staying in the country for over six years after he arrived on June 16, 2019.

According to the Bureau, JP Dragon is a notorious fraud group "reportedly targeted elderly victims by posing as law enforcers to steal ATM cards and banking information under the guise of police investigations."

Viado said BI’s effort is part of the administration’s intensified campaign against international criminal syndicates.

“The President has made it clear that the Philippines will not be a safe haven for foreign fugitives. We are committed to flushing them out and sending them back to face justice in their home countries,” said Viado. DMS