The Philippines’ Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), has filed multiple counts of money laundering against Alice Guo, also known as the “POGO Mayor,” and 35 other individuals. These charges were filed with the Department of Justice as part of a broader crackdown on illicit financial activities linked to the country’s online gambling sector, known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
Key Individuals and Organizations Involved
Among the co-conspirators named in the complaint are Guo’s sister, Sheila Guo, and Cassandra Li Ong, identified as a key facilitator for the POGO operations. The group is alleged to have connections to several illegal entities, including BAOFU Land Development Inc, Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc, and Zun Yuan Technology Inc. Earlier this year, Zun Yuan Technology Inc was raided by authorities on suspicions of involvement in human trafficking and cryptocurrency scams.
Alice Guo, a former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, is accused of playing a pivotal role in supporting the operations of Zun Yuan Technology Inc. Despite her key position in these operations, Guo’s current location remains unknown, with speculation suggesting she may have fled the Philippines.
Complex Money Laundering Scheme Uncovered
The AMLC, in its investigation conducted in tandem with the NBI and PAOCC, revealed that Guo and her co-conspirators were involved in a sophisticated money laundering scheme. This operation is said to have generated illicit proceeds exceeding Php101 million (approximately USD 1.8 million) from June 2020 to January 2024. These funds were reportedly linked to crimes such as estafa (fraud), qualified trafficking in persons, and violations of the Securities Regulation Code.
The investigation disclosed that the funds were initially intended for paying electricity bills for BAOFU Land Development Inc. However, instead of fulfilling this purpose, the money was systematically laundered through a network of multiple bank accounts, effectively concealing its illegal origins. The intricate process of transferring these funds through various financial institutions was designed to obscure the source of the money, making it appear legitimate.
Seizure and Forfeiture of Illicit Assets
In addition to the money laundering charges, the AMLC has initiated the process to forfeit assets valued at over Php6 billion (approximately USD 107 million) believed to have been accumulated by Guo and her associates through their unlawful activities. These assets include numerous real estate properties in Tarlac, Pampanga, and Las Piñas City, commercial buildings within the BAOFU compound, and various corporate assets linked to the implicated companies.
The forfeiture also extends to luxury assets such as a fleet of high-end vehicles and a helicopter, which were allegedly used to facilitate these criminal operations. Additionally, several bank accounts with substantial illicit funds are part of the forfeiture request, highlighting the extensive reach of the money laundering network.
Freezing of Assets and Ongoing Legal Actions
The filing of the money laundering complaint follows a series of actions taken by the AMLC. Prior to the complaint, the AMLC had already frozen the bank accounts and other assets of individuals and entities involved in these unlawful activities. A separate forfeiture case was also filed concerning the BAOFU Compound, which served as a base of operations for some of the illicit activities.
These legal actions are part of a broader strategy by the AMLC and its partner agencies to prevent the Philippines from being used as a hub for money laundering and other financial crimes. By targeting the assets and financial networks of criminal enterprises, the AMLC aims to safeguard the integrity of the Philippine financial system and ensure that it is not exploited to further criminal activities.
Statements from AMLC and Government Officials
AMLC Director Atty. Matthew M. David emphasized the council’s commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting the Philippine financial system. “The AMLC remains committed to its mission to ensure that the financial system is not exploited to further criminal enterprises,” David stated. “This filing is part of the AMLC’s pursuit to combat financial crimes and safeguard the integrity of the Philippine financial system.”
Revelations about Alice Guo’s True Identity
In a surprising twist, it was revealed earlier this year that Alice Guo, known locally as the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, is actually a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping. This revelation came to light following a comparison of fingerprint records, which confirmed that Alice Guo and Guo Hua Ping are the same person. Guo’s true identity has added another layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about her entry into the Philippines and her activities prior to becoming involved in the POGO operations.
Arrests and Deportations of Co-Conspirators
In addition to the charges against Alice Guo, authorities have also captured and deported several of her alleged co-conspirators. Cassandra Li Ong and Sheila Guo were apprehended in Indonesia last week and have since been deported back to the Philippines. Upon their return, they were subjected to intense questioning by the Senate during a hearing on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.
The Senate hearing has continued despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent directive to shut down the POGO industry. The ongoing hearings aim to uncover the extent of illegal activities linked to POGOs and to hold accountable those responsible for exploiting the sector for criminal gains.
Impact of the Crackdown on POGO Industry
The crackdown on Alice Guo and her associates is part of a larger effort by the Philippine government to regulate and control the POGO industry, which has been plagued by allegations of illegal activities, including money laundering, human trafficking, and other criminal enterprises. The decision to shut down the POGO industry is seen as a decisive step towards cleaning up the sector and preventing it from being used as a cover for illicit operations.
The case against Alice Guo and her co-conspirators highlights the challenges faced by the Philippine government in addressing complex financial crimes and ensuring that the country’s financial system is not exploited for illegal activities. As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, it remains to be seen how the authorities will navigate the intricate web of illicit operations linked to the POGO industry and bring those responsible to justice.
With the AMLC and its partner agencies continuing their pursuit of justice, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in combating financial crimes and protecting the integrity of financial systems worldwide.