THE Bureau of Immigration has deported a South Korean wanted by Seoul for illegal gambling.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said Choi Sunghee, 38, was deported last June 20.
Choi’s deportation was based on the request of South Korean authorities.
Tansingco said Choi had set up illegal gambling websites that enticed users to bet on domestic and foreign sports.
“He reportedly received more than 16 billion won from the website’s members,” he said, citing information provided by South Korean authorities in their request for Choi’s deportation.
The BI chief said under South Korean law, no person other than the Seoul Olympic Sports Promotion Foundation or an authorized entity may issue sports betting tickets or similar things.
Violators are punishable by imprisonment with labor for not more than seven years or face a fine not exceeding 70 million won.
Choi’s name was also included in the immigration blacklist, perpetually banning him from re-entering the Philippines.
“We greatly value our collaboration with foreign governments in combating transnational crimes and ensuring effective immigration control. Through these partnerships, we exchange vital information and work together to protect our borders from those who may seek to undermine our security,” Tansingco said.
Last year, 87 Koreans were deported for violation of immigration laws, including overstaying their visas, violating the conditions of their stay, and being undesirable aliens.
