Taiwanese Man Arrested in Philippines After Cruise Ship Arrival

A 54 year old Taiwanese man wanted by U.S. authorities was detained by Philippine officials after arriving aboard a cruise traveling from Kaohsiung to the northern Philippines. The arrest occurred on November 22 when the MV Star Navigator, operated by Star Cruises, entered Philippine waters.

According to reports, officers from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) identified the passenger as Tsai Chin Hao, a former U.S. citizen listed in an Interpol Red Notice connected to an outstanding warrant issued in the United States. He is reportedly sought in relation to money laundering and illegal gambling offenses.

The Bureau of Immigration said Tsai was detected during routine screening of arriving passengers. Personnel from the BI’s Bay Service Section boarded the vessel to investigate further and coordinated with the agency’s Interpol Unit to validate the alert. Once confirmed, Tsai was detained and later handed over to the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit at the Port of Currimao.

After reviewing his documentation, immigration authorities returned to the ship to formally arrest him. He is now the subject of deportation proceedings in line with Interpol procedures and Philippine immigration rules.

Officials stated that Tsai will likely be removed to Taiwan. However, if the United States submits a formal request, he may instead be transferred into U.S. custody.