Another ‘Luffy’ gang member deported

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported yesterday another Japanese national suspected to be a member of the robbery ring called “Luffy.”

Takayuki Kagoshima, 54, has been overstaying in the Philippines since Nov. 7, 2022 and his passport has been revoked by the Japanese government, according to Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

“That makes him an undocumented alien,” Tansingco said.

Kagoshima was escorted by a team of Japanese police officers to Narita, Tokyo.

From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Kagoshima and his escorts boarded a Japan Airlines flight at 10 a.m.

The Luffy group is reportedly responsible for a series of robberies orchestrated by Japanese nationals while they were detained in the Philippines.

Kagoshima is the seventh suspected Luffy member to be deported by the BI, Tansingco said.

Six other gang members were kicked out in February and March pursuant to a summary deportation order that was issued by the BI board of commissioners last year.

Kagoshima was arrested in Pasay on March 4 by operatives of the BI fugitive search unit.

“There will be no letup in our campaign to hunt and deport all foreign fugitives who are hiding in the country. We cannot allow the Philippines to become a refuge for these wanted criminals,” Tansingco said.