‘Luffy’ gang members kicked out
By J.Lo
“This successful deportation is testament to collaborative partnership and good relationship between Philippines and Japan…we will not allow our country to be used as hiding ground for criminals and syndicates,” Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said BI deported two Japanese nationals who are allegedly members of “Luffy” gang.
Bureau announced deportation of Sugano Kazushi and Shimoeda Saito. Identified as fugitives by Japanese government, they were allegedly involved in fraudulent call activities for criminal organization.
“Their deportation is significant achievement in our efforts to disrupt criminal networks victimizing unsuspecting individuals,” BI’s press release read, quoting Immigration Commissioner Tansingco.
Kazushi and Saito are believed to be part of infamous Luffy group.
Named after well-known anime character, Luffy group has become infamous in Japan for engaging in various scams and robberies.
The pair also has arrest warrant issued by Tokyo Summary Court due to being part of “large-scale telecom fraud group.”
Saito was intercepted in November 2023 after attempting to leave Ninoy Aquino International Airport bound for Nagoya, Japan.
Since 2019, the two individuals have been in hiding in the Philippines.
Search was launched for them and their associates after Japanese government officially notified authorities in February 2023 about their criminal status.
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