Cops arrest member of Korean car theft gang

Police announced yesterday the arrest of an alleged member of a car theft gang led by foreign nationals during an entrapment operation in Ermita, Manila.

Sung Jeung Yu, 32, a resident of the Pampanga Agricultural College, was nabbed by operatives of Task Force Manhunt led by Chief Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling Jr. when the suspect attempted to sell a stolen Toyota Hi-Ace (WKM-257).

Seized from the suspect were documents, including a driver’s license, the vehicle’s certificate of registration and a receipt.

Yanquiling said the modus operandi of the group was to rent a car using stolen passports from their compatriots. One member would then pawn or sell the vehicle to casino regulars at bargain prices, telling the unsuspecting buyer that he needs cash quickly to pay off gambling debts.

The syndicate usually operates on Friday nights so that their victims cannot check the status of the vehicle with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which is closed on weekends.

"The gang probably has contacts with the LTO office since it can easily register the stolen vehicles under the names of the syndicate," Yanquiling said.

Representatives of Tapsan Rent-a-Car, the owner of the Toyota Hi-Ace and the owner of a BMW sedan from Pampanga positively identified the arrested Korean as the one who rented their vehicles and failed to return them.

During interrogation, Sung named his accomplice as Lee Young Ho and Kim Hong Sik, who are based in Pampanga. He also said they had a Filipino accomplice, who acts as the syndicate’s "point man" to pick possible victims inside casinos.

Sung said the Korean members of the syndicate are all overstaying aliens.

Charges of estafa and car theft were filed against Yung.

Operatives of Task Force Manhunt have launched a manhunt against the remaining suspects.