The Bureau of Immigration announced on November 2, 2026, that it arrested 39-year-old Chinese national Chen Yongzhou in Parañaque City on October 14, 2026. The agency stated that Mr. Chen is wanted in China for his alleged involvement in a telecommunications fraud syndicate that cheated victims out of over 4.73 million renminbi, or roughly $706,000.
Arrest Ordered Following Request From Chinese Embassy in Manila
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado received a report regarding the operation from Fugitive Search Unit Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, according to the immigration agency. A mission order was issued for Mr. Chen’s arrest after the Chinese Embassy in Manila requested his deportation so he could face criminal proceedings in his home country. Chinese authorities maintain that a criminal detention warrant has been issued against Mr. Chen by the Hefei Public Security Bureau’s Xinzhan Branch.
Investigators allege that the syndicate operated abroad from 2023 to 2024, utilizing voice phishing tactics to target victims in China. Mr. Sy stated that the group made random calls via WeChat to establish romantic relationships with victims. Subsequently, the syndicate members allegedly directed targets to ship gold to specific recharge locations and put money into a bogus platform supposedly connected with the Shanghai Gold Exchange.
Did You Know? Immigration travel records show that Mr. Chen last arrived in the Philippines in June 2018 as a tourist and subsequently overstayed his authorized period of stay.
Pending Murder Case at the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court
Following his apprehension, Mr. Chen was detained at the Parañaque City Jail in connection with a separate, pending murder case before the local Regional Trial Court. The immigration agency clarified that this local criminal proceeding will run independently and separately from his ongoing deportation proceedings.
The Philippines must never become a hiding place for foreign fugitives,
Mr. Viado said, noting that the bureau will maintain close coordination with international partners to ensure accountability.
Immigration operatives arrest Chen Yongzhou for alleged financial fraud
When was Chen Yongzhou arrested by authorities?
Immigration operatives arrested Mr. Chen in Parañaque City on October 14, 2026, based on a report submitted to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado by Fugitive Search Unit Chief Rendel Ryan Sy.
What specific financial fraud charges does Mr. Chen face in China?
Chinese authorities allege that Mr. Chen took part in a telecommunications fraud syndicate operating from 2023 to 2024 that cheated victims out of more than 4.73 million renminbi, equivalent to about $706,000.
Where is the suspect currently detained and how does his local case affect deportation?
Mr. Chen is detained at the Parañaque City Jail due to a pending murder case before a local Regional Trial Court. The immigration agency confirmed that this murder case will proceed separately from his deportation proceedings.