Immigration agents arrest American sex offender and Chinese fraudster

American sex offender
An American sex offender and Chinese fraudster are now both in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration

The Bureau of Immigration has arrested an American sex offender and Chinese fraudster who now face deportation to answer for their crimes.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente identified the men as American Michael James Wuest, aged 60, who was arrested in Cagayan de Oro City last Thursday (March 7) and Chinese national Xu Wenlu, 53, who was apprehended two days later in Parañaque City.

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The US embassy has confirmed that Wuest is a convicted sex offender wanted by authorities in Texas for failing to register.

The BI added that Wuest was an overstaying alien who had failed to extend his visa since he arrived in the Philippines in June 2015.

Xu is wanted by authorities in Beijing for committing large-scale fraud that deprived the Chinese government of an estimated $4.5 million.

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He was issued a red notice from Interpol after being charged with issuing false value-added tax invoices in order to swindle about 30 million yuan.

In light of numerous recent arrests of wanted foreigners in the Philippines, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has cited the BI for its efforts.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente received the award at a ceremony held in the Malacañang recently.

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He said: “We are proud of the achievements of the bureau, and we pledge support to the PACC in their efforts to weed out foreign fugitives wanted in their countries for corruption.” 

Seven Chinese arrested for kidnap

Also today, seven Chinese nationals were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for kidnapping a compatriot, and demanding a 200,000-peso ransom payment.

NBI Director Dante Gierran identified the arrested Chinese as Lou Gen Jin, Cheng Yiguo, Liu Shengghui, Deng Shuijin, Xiong Jinxiang, Xiong Jongpeng and Xiong Jilong.

They were arrested in operations conducted in Pasay and Parañaque Cities on Sunday (March 10).

Their victim, Chinese national  Jian Shi Xin, positively identified them as his kidnappers.

He described how he was abducted from Okada Manila casino and hotel in Parañaque City and held until his brother paid the ransom.

Complaints have been filed against the suspects for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

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