Japanese 'yakuza' gang member wanted for fraud and theft arrested in the Philippines

A Japanese fugitive wanted over alleged fraud and theft was arrested in the Philippines. Suspected yakuza member Yamamoto Yoshitama, 57, was detained in a raid in Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija province, on October 31. He is wanted in Japan over alleged fraud, theft and attempted theft under an arrest warrant issued by the Fukuoka Summary Court on December 27, 2022. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit chief Rendell Sy said Yamamoto was reportedly among the leaders of notorious 'JP Dragon' gang, a Japan-based criminal syndicate believed to operate in the capital Manila. Its members allegedly impersonated police officers to trick elderly Japanese victims into surrendering their ATM cards and bank details. Japanese police believe the syndicate has defrauded around 250 victims of nearly one billion yen since 2019. Yamamoto was arrested on a deportation order dated July 18, 2023. He was taken to the BI Warden's Facility pending deportation proceedings. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado warned foreign fugitives against using the Philippines as a hiding place to escape justice in their home countries. He said: 'The Philippines is not, and will never be, a safe haven for foreign fugitives. 'Those who believe they can evade justice in their own countries by hiding here are mistaken. We will track them down, arrest them, and ensure they face the consequences of violating our laws. 'Our cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies remains vital in keeping our borders secure and preventing the Philippines from being used as a refuge for international criminals.' The JP Dragon crime ring is a syndicate allegedly founded by former Japanese gang members based in the Philippines, where it is believed to be heavily involved in illegal gambling.