Chinese fugitive caught with fake Philippine passport

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese woman wanted for economic crimes in her country was arrested as she was attending a preliminary investigation hearing at the Pasay City Hall on Thursday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said yesterday.

Li Xinlei, 51, reportedly presented a fake Philippine passport when BI agents accosted her, according to BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr.

“When our agents arrested her, she was unable to show proper documents. Records show that she is already overstaying, and has reportedly misrepresented herself as a Filipino using a fraudulently acquired Philippine passport,” he said.

Manahan did not mention what case Li was involved in at the Pasay City Hall.

Li underwent swab testing on Thursday as part of the BI’s protocol before she was turned over to the bureau’s jail facility in Taguig pending her deportation order.

Manahan said Li will be banned from entering the country.