A Japanese who is an alleged member of the notorious “Luffy” robbery gang was arrested last Monday in San Pablo City, Laguna in a joint operation of the Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine National Police.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Sasaki Takashi, 43, was apprehended in his residence in Savana Village, San Pablo City.
“Takashi is a fugitive from justice wanted by the Japanese government for theft and fraud, targeting vulnerable individuals,” said Viado.
“His presence in the Philippines endangers our communities and undermines our commitment to maintaining security and order,” he added.
Viado said a warrant of arrest was issued against Takashi by the Tokyo Summary Court in January 2023 for violations of Japan’s Penal Code.
He said information provided by their Japanese counterparts showed that Takashi and his accomplices stole ATM cards and bank information from elderly victims by posing as law enforcement or finance officials conducting fake investigations.
“Further investigations revealed that Takashi is allegedly a member of the ‘Luffy’ group, a notorious Japanese criminal syndicate reportedly operating telecom fraud and extortion schemes in the Philippines,” the BI chief said.
He added that the Japanese’s arrest underscores the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in protecting the public from transnational crimes.
The suspect is detained at the BI warden facility in Taguig City where he will remain until his deportation.
Last year, immigration authorities also deported several Japanese nationals who are alleged members of the “Luffy” gang, including the supposed ring leader, wanted by Japanese authorities for their involvement in several crimes, including robbery and fraud.
“Luffy” is a fictional character, the captain of “Straw Hat” pirates, in the popular Japanese manga series One Piece.