Fugitive Korean in Palace photo-op arrested

MANILA, Philippines - A South Korean fugitive who bolted the Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention cell in Taguig City around four years ago was re-arrested by agents of the International Police (Interpol) who tracked him down in Ozamis City last week. Hang Mok You, 50, of Yean Su Gu Yen Su Dong, Inchun, South Korea was nabbed by Interpol and BI agents along with local police last Tuesday at the Mt. Malindang Golf and Country Club in Barangay Bagakay in Ozamis.

The arrest came after Mok You resurfaced last year in Malacañang in the company of Misamis Occidental Rep. Leo Ocampos, said to be his business partner, and was seen shaking hands with President Aquino.

The South Korean national is now back at the BI detention facility in Bicutan while awaiting deportation to South Korea to face various charges, including large-scale estafa cases.

Mok You entered the Philippines to escape prosecution in Korea and subsequently established his business here. He reportedly partnered with Ocampos in a golf driving range business in Ozamis City. 

“From what we’ve learned, he and Rep. Ocampos have become partners in a golf driving range business, among other business ventures, in Misamis Occidental,” said an Interpol insider. 

After his escape from South Korea four years ago, Interpol agents upon the request of and in coordination with their South Korean counterparts, arrested Mok You and detained him at the BI detention cell in Bicutan.

However, on March 4, 2007, before he could be deported, Mok You escaped from detention after being allowed – upon his request – to undergo medical treatment with his attending physician in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

From then onward, there was no trace of Mok You until he appeared in Malacañang shortly after the May 2010 national elections in the company of Ocampos.

Seen in a barong Tagalog, Mok You along with Ocampos and two lady companions posed for photographs with the President.