Korean fugitive caught in QC

The Manila police arrested yesterday an alleged member of a Korean mafia who has been wanted by the South Korean government for fraud.

The arrest of Kim Yeong Shae, alias John Kim, 42, of Seoul, South Korea, was an offshoot of an extortion complaint filed by Alenie Matute, 40, of Pasay City, before the District Intelligence Division of the Manila Police District (MPD).

According to intelligence chief Superintendent Leo Francisco, Kim has been extorting money from Matute’s Korean live-in partner and threatening him with harm.

Kim was arrested by the MPD’s intelligence police officers at his hideout in Quezon City.

Francisco said Kim has a standing warrant of arrest for fraud of 100 million won (about P5 million) at the Goyang Branch Court and has long been a fugitive from his country.

Kim reportedly is the leader of a Korean mafia engaged in extortion activities of Korean nationals in the Philippines, according to Francisco.

Korean consul and police attache Park jang-Sik informed the Manila police that Kim is an overstaying alien whose visa expired in 2002 but his passport is still valid until 2009.

Francisco said Kim is still undergoing interrogation. Charges of grave threats were filed against Kim at the Manila prosecutor’s office.   – Nestor Etolle