Philippines busts Korean mail-order-bride syndicate, 29 women rescued
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A Philippine police official says authorities have arrested two South Koreans and their four local partners who allegedly operated a mail-order bride business and rescued 29 prospective brides.
Chief Superintendent Reginald Villasanta said Thursday that police raided a house in Bacoor city near Manila used by the syndicate. Those rescued in Wednesday's raid included a 16-year-old girl.
He says the syndicate collects thousands of dollars in fees from Korean men seeking Filipino wives, telling them falsely that the money will go to the women's families.
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Villasanta says the women are promised a prosperous life in South Korea but often end up abused or in unhappy marriages.
He says the suspects will be charged with violating human trafficking laws, which carries a 20-year prison term, and another law that prohibits mail-order-brides.