Japan’s ‘most wanted’ nabbed in Manila

In a statement Thursday, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said Misao Koyama, also known as Misao Kaminsukaso, is set to be deported to Japan where he faces charges for allegedly forging private documents to sell other people’s lands without their consent. (Photo by Bureau of Immigration)

MANILA — A 59-year-old Japanese national, tagged as the leader of a major fraud ring and allegedly one of the most wanted fugitives in his country, was arrested in a joint operation of the Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) of Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Tokyo Interpol in Manila on Wednesday.

In a statement Thursday, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said Misao Koyama, also known as Misao Kaminsukaso, is set to be deported to Japan where he faces charges for allegedly forging private documents to sell other people’s lands without their consent.

Koyama will be temporarily detained at the bureau’s detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig City pending his deportation.

BI-FSU chief Bobby Raquepo noted the arrest was conducted after Japanese authorities sought the bureau’s assistance in locating and deporting Koyama who has a standing warrant of arrest for fraud.

“Upon receipt of this information, we immediately conducted an investigation to locate him, so he may be sent back to Japan to face his crimes,” Morente said.

The BI official added that Koyama is allegedly the leader of an eight-man fraud ring accused of selling other people’s property by using forged land deals. They have reportedly swindled “billions of yen” from their victims in Japan.

On the other hand, Morente lauded the apprehension of the Japanese fugitive and issued a warning to fugitives hiding in the Philippines.

“We are closely coordinating with other law enforcement agencies and foreign counterparts. Do not use the Philippines to evade prosecution. You cannot escape the long arm of the law,” he added.