The Philippine government had deported a high-profile fugitive wanted for terrorism and organized crime in India, leading to his immediate arrest upon arrival in New Delhi.
Joginder Gyong, also known as Gupta Kant, was apprehended July last year by the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) in Bacolod City and was detained prior to deportation, according to a news release on Saturday, February 8.
He was kicked out of Manila on February 1 via Bangkok, Thailand to New Delhi, where he was immediately taken into custody by Indian authorities.
He is implicated in at least 26 criminal cases across multiple states in India, including murder, attempted murder, extortion and kidnapping for ransom.
He is also accused of procuring illegal firearms, organizing contract killings and leading an extensive extortion network targeting businessmen and professionals.
The move aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s strong stance against transnational crimes, reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to international security and law enforcement cooperation.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado lauded the coordinated efforts between Philippine and Indian authorities, emphasizing the significance of Gyong’s deportation.
“This operation sends a clear message — criminals and terrorists will find no safe haven in the Philippines,” Viado said.
“Gyong was a serious threat, and we ensured his removal from our country.”
Gyong lived under a false identity using a fraudulently acquired Nepalese passport under the name Kant Gupta.
He was the subject of an international police red notice and an open arrest warrant issued by Indian courts.
Investigations revealed that Gyong played a key role in India’s underground criminal syndicates, working closely with terror-linked networks.
Authorities suspect he facilitated weapons and narcotics smuggling, harboring fugitives and laundering illicit funds. His deportation is expected to shed light on deeper international terror-crime connections.
“We will continue working closely with international partners to uphold immigration laws and bring fugitives to justice,” Viado said.
Sex offenders
Meanwhile, the BI barred 137 foreign nationals from entering the country in 2024 for being registered sex offenders.
Data showed that 109 Americans topped the list of those barred, followed by 12 Britons, five Australians, three Germans, two Canadians, and a citizen each from American Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Japan, Ireland, and the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Of those intercepted, 112 were stopped at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, while 20 were turned away at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and five at Clark International Airport in Pampanga province.
They are permanently banned from returning to the country.
In 2023, a total of 169 sex offenders were barred entry. (PNA)