The Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval has confirmed the arrest and the subsequent release on bail of Jeffrey Oh, the Korean-American CEO of Careless Entertainment and business partner of actor James Reid, local news outlet ABS-CBN News reported.
The Korean-American entrepreneur’s alleged arrest hit the news last July 28, 2023, for his company’s lack of a permit to operate in the Philippines.
Veteran entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin in a “Cristy Ferminute” episode on July 31 revealed that the authorities paid a visit to Jeffrey’s home in Makati after receiving several complaints against him.
“’Yun pong bagong manager ni Liza Soberano na si Jeffrey Oh ay pinuntahan ng mga alagad ng batas sa kanyang opisina sa Poblacion Makati,” started Cristy.
It was said that Jeffrey failed to present his company’s legal documents to prove that it is allowed to operate in the country.
“Baka ipa-deport itong Jeffrey Oh na ito. Haharap siya sa deportation. Papaano, hiningi ang mga dokumento sa kanya, wala pala siyang mga papeles na nagsasabi at nagbibigay ng kalayaan sa kanya to operate business in the Philippines,” she said.
Cristy added that the CEO is also facing charges from James’ father, Malcolm Reid.
“Sa dami ng nagrereklamo, isa pala ang tatay ni James Reid sa nagrereklamo laban dito kay Jeffrey Oh,” Cristy said.
“Dahil ‘yung pera ng anak niya, dahil parang sosyo sila [ni James] ‘di ba? Hindi nakakarating kay James Reid ‘yung kaukulang pangako na perang ibibigay bilang partner,” she added.
In another recent episode, Cristy revealed exclusive footage of his arrest showing the presence of BI officers in Jeffrey’s place. James was also spotted in the video.
“Immigration agents arrested the 34-year-old American in Poblacion, Makati after reportedly engaging in gainful employment without the necessary work permit, in violation of Philippine immigration laws,” Cristy read the statement of BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco about the case.
She continued, “A complaint lodged with the BI reported the American to have presented himself as the CEO of a Manila-based company, as well as the owner of several restaurants, without acquiring the necessary visas or permits.”
Jeffrey was detained in the Bureau of Immigration Detention Center in Bicutan, Taguig during the proceedings, according to reports. He was released on bail last August 4.
Careless is an independent record label founded by James Reid and Bret Jackson in 2017.
