BI-Interpol arrests American wanted for tax evasion

Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently arrested an American fugitive who is wanted by federal authorities in the US for tax evasion.

Arrested by elements of the BI Interpol Unit at the residence of his wife in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental was Dougles John Fitzgerald, 68, who hails from Vermont, USA.

In a report to Commissioner Nonoy Libanan, BI-Interpol unit chief, Atty. Floro Balato Jr. said Fitzgerald is wanted to stand trial before a US district Court in Idaho for attempting to evade tax payments in violation of the US internal revenue code.

The US embassy said a warrant for Fitzgerald’s arrest was issued by the Idaho court on May 13 this year after he was charged with “corrupt endeavor to obstruct or impede the due administration of the internal revenue service.”

Libanan instructed the BI law investigation division to immediately commence a deportation proceeding against Fitzgerald so that he could be deported to the US immediately to face criminal prosecution.

Balato said Fitzgerald is already an undocumented alien as the US government has already cancelled his passport.

He disclosed that Fitzgerald was previously issued a permanent resident visa by the BI by due to his marriage to a Filipina.

“However, the revocation of his passport has made him an undocumented alien and as a consequence his visa is deemed cancelled,” Balato explained.

Records showed that Fitzgerald was arrested last Sept. 12 at the residence of his wife in Baragay Loguioo, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.

He is now detained at the BI jail in Bicutan, Taguig City pending issuance of a summary deportation order by the BI Board of Commissioners. (BI News)