Philippine Ex-Mayor Faces Money Laundering Charges Over Online Casino Scheme
Philippine prosecutors are seeking 62 counts of money laundering against former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo in connection with her alleged involvement in an online casino project operating out of a property she owned.
Casino Raid Triggers Money Laundering Investigations
Guo’s property housed online casino entities that were raided for their alleged involvement in internet scams and human trafficking. Her involvement in the scheme “cannot be overemphasized,” according to a resolution by the Department of Justice, adding that she appears to be the “brainchild and/or architect” of the operation.
Additional Charges for Guo’s Associates
Thirty other individuals, including Guo’s associates Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying, who were convicted in Singapore’s largest money laundering case, also face charges.
Ex-Mayor’s Denial of Allegations
Guo’s legal counsel, Nicole Jamilla, stated in November that she was ready to refute “baseless” money laundering and human trafficking allegations. The former mayor had previously pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of human trafficking.
Authorities Detail the Scheme
Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano explained that those named in the resolution “profited” from investment scams carried out at the Baofu online casino compound.
“That’s how they made money and they used that money to buy many assets,” Clavano said, adding that prosecutors are expected to file charges in court soon.
Assets Worth Millions Targeted for Forfeiture
The National Bureau of Investigation, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission filed complaints against Guo and others “alleged to have been involved in a complex scheme of money laundering linked to the crimes of estafa, qualified trafficking in person.”
The Anti-Money Laundering Council also seeks to forfeit assets valued at over 6 billion pesos ($102 million) that it claims were “accumulated by Guo and her associates through their unlawful activities.”
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