Tag: money laundering

Nine foreigners who were caught with undeclared P441 million cash and foreign currency up for deportation

Nine foreigners who were caught with undeclared P441 million cash and foreign currency up for deportation

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The nine foreigners – who had two Filipino companions – who were recently caught in the Cebu airport carrying undeclared amounts of cash of over P440 million and some foreign currency will be deported after their local cases get resolved, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA network. Some parts in boldface…

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Tuesday it is seeking to deport the nine foreigners arrested at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport for carrying undeclared bags of cash amounting to over P440 million.

According to Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval, the deportation proceedings are ongoing.

The nine foreigners and two Filipinos were arrested by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security as they were attempting to board a private plane to Manila at about 10:30 p.m.

The suspects—including six Chinese and individuals from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan—were found carrying seven bags instead of the declared three bags containing up to P441,922,542, USD$168,730 (around P9.342 Million), and HKD$1,000 (around P71,000).

The BI said that aside from deportation proceedings, the group may also face criminal and anti-money laundering charges before local courts.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more foreigners in the country carrying with them huge amounts of undeclared cash?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo back in the Philippines, now under custody

Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo back in the Philippines, now under custody

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Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban who got caught by Indonesian authorities, was brought back here in the Philippines during the early hours of Friday escorted by Philippine government officials and she has been placed under the custody of the local authorities, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo wearing posing under custody of the police. (photo source – PNP PIO)

Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is back in the Philippines after being deported from Indonesia where she was arrested.

Escorted by top police and local government officials, Guo arrived from Jakarta on a private plane which landed at a private hangar at the NAIA .

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirmed the successful return of Guo to the Philippines.

“Guo arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at approximately 1:30 AM on September 6 aboard a special government flight. Her return comes after a swift operation by Philippine immigration authorities in Jakarta, in coordination with their Indonesian counterparts,” according to the statement issued by bureau.

The BI said it immediately executed the mission order against Guo, Tansingco said, faces charges of undesirability and misrepresentation under Philippine immigration laws.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Marbil on Thursday went to Indonesia for the turnover of custody of the former mayor from the Indonesian police.

In an earlier press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said that Guo will undergo a medical check-up at Camp Crame upon arrival.  She will be turned over to the Senate on Friday morning for the implementation of the upper chamber’s arrest warrant.

A medical check-up on Guo closely watched by the PNP. (photo source – PNP PIO)

Guo was arrested by Indonesian authorities in Tangerang City, Indonesia at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

The former mayor had cut her hair, which National Bureau of Investigation director Jaime Santiago believed was an attempt to conceal her identity.

Guo had asked Abalos for help over what she said were death threats against her.

In a video posted on Abalos’ Facebook of his meeting with Guo in Jakarta on Thursday afternoon, Guo was heard saying, “Sec, patulong. May death threat po kasi ako.”

Abalos entire reply was no longer heard but there was a portion in which he said, “Kaya nga kami kumuha ng private plane…”

For the newcomers reading this, Guo (AKA Guo Hua Ping) has been wanted in the Philippines and there are charges of tax evasion and money laundering against her.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that Alice Guo will tell the truth once she goes back to attending government hearings? Do you think that details of her secret travel overseas will be revealed at last? Do you think Guo is a spy of mainland China?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo caught overseas, will be brought back to the Philippines

Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo caught overseas, will be brought back to the Philippines

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On the late evening of September 3 in Indonesia, the dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo got arrested by the local authorities and she will be brought back here in the Philippines very soon, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. For the newcomers reading this, Guo (AKA Guo Hua Ping) is wanted in the Philippines and there are charges of tax evasion and money laundering against her.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

In a statement, the DOJ said Guo was apprehended at 11:58 p.m. on Sept. 3, according to Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police.

“This development has been verified by our counterparts in Immigration, who have confirmed that Ms. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri,” the DOJ said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed the development, saying Guo’s arrest is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and the strength of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice.

“We will ensure that all legal processes are followed to hold her accountable for any crimes committed. The DOJ is committed to pursuing justice and will continue to coordinate closely with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the necessary legal procedures,” he said.

Guo is facing complaints about her alleged involvement in the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country and questions about her citizenship.

Despite being the subject of an immigration lookout bulletin due to the ongoing investigations, Guo was able to leave the country last July 18.

Guo reportedly headed to Malaysia, arrived in Singapore on July 21, and traveled to Indonesia on Aug. 18.

Guo’s sister, Shiela, and business associate Cassandra Li Ong were earlier arrested in Indonesia and already sent back to the Philippines.

During the Senate Subcommittee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, Shiela admitted she left the country with the dismissed mayor by boat.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is expecting the return of the dismissed mayor to the country anytime soon following her arrest in Indonesia.

“We have immediately forwarded the information to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Executive Secretary. The information has been confirmed by our immigration counterparts in Indonesia, and we are very happy with this development,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.

The BI chief also believes Guo’s return to the Philippines will shed light on many questions about her illegal departure, as well as allow her to face the charges filed against her.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., welcomed the arrest of Guo and assured the public of the resolution of cases against her.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you expect Alice Guo to tell the truth once she gets questioned by government officials again after her anticipated return here in the Philippines? Do you think mainland China is somehow involved in secretly transporting Guo and companions from the Philippines to overseas?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Several counts of money laundering filed against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others

Several counts of money laundering filed against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others

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Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo – who went overseas undetected by immigration authorities and remains out of reach – and others got charged for multiple counts of money laundering, according to a GMA Network news report. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) are the complainants.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

A total of 87 counts of money laundering were filed against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and 35 others at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday about the raided POGO hubs in Bamban and Porac, Pampanga.

In a press conference, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Deputy Director Adrian Arpon said that the cases involved around P7 billion.

“We have included Alice Guo. Based on our findings, she is the principal in the money laundering committed in this case. She used several entities in transferring her money. It went to an entity,” Arpon said.

“Ultimately, it ended up with Baofu to pay, among others, electric bills,” he added.

The complainants are the AMLC, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Named respondents are Guo; Shiela Guo, the former mayor’s purported sister;  Cassandra Li Ong, the authorized representative of the Porac POGO hub; and former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, among others.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the government and its strategic partners overseas will be able to find Alice Guo very soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

POGO Ban would help expedite Philippines’ exit from global financial watchdog’s “gray list” related to money laundering

POGO Ban would help expedite Philippines’ exit from global financial watchdog’s “gray list” related to money laundering

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In relation to helping the Philippines recover from the many negative effects caused by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), the declared nationwide ban on POGOs will help expedite the nation’s exit from the “gray list” of a global financial watchdog that has been monitoring jurisdictions for money laundering risks, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

THE RECENT BAN on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) would help expedite the country’s exit from a global financial watchdog’s “gray list” of jurisdictions under increased monitoring for money laundering risks, the central bank governor said.

“With the POGO ban, we do see a drop in money laundering, which should help us exit the gray list,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BPS) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. told BusinessWorld in a text message.

Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered a total ban on all offshore gaming operations due to their ties to illicit activities such as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution and human trafficking.

Mr. Marcos directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to shutter all POGO facilities by the end of the year.

This comes after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June kept the Philippines in its gray list for a third straight year.

The global watchdog said the country still needs to address three remaining action items, one of which is “demonstrating that supervisors are using anti-money laundering and counterfinancing of terrorism (AML/CFT) controls to mitigate risks associated with casino junkets.”

Mr. Remolona earlier said the Philippines would likely exit the gray list by next year as it still needs to address the remaining deficiencies cited by the FATF.

From 2018 to 2023, the Philippines was among the top five countries in Southeast Asia with money laundering activities added over the five-year period, earlier data from Moody’s showed.

The number of money laundering events added in the Philippines jumped by 45% from 2022 to 2023, it said.

Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation, said Mr. Marcos’ order to ban POGOs would encourage more “legitimate” investments to enter into the country.

“With the expected ban, the Philippines may be relieved with the gray list tag and re-strategize for fulfilling more legal and moral entertainment investments for the inclusive growth of the country,” he said via Facebook Messenger.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think improvements will be realized gradually over the next twelve months with the ban on POGOs in effect? Do you think that money laundering and crime related to POGOs will go down sharply?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco