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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 62 money laundering cases to be filed in court vs Alice Guo -- DOJ

62 money laundering cases to be filed in court vs Alice Guo -- DOJ

Published Jan 15, 2025 08:27 am

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing in court of 62 counts of alleged violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act against dismissed mayor Alice L. Guo in connection with the reported criminal activities of Hongsheng Gaming Technology, Inc. in Bamban, Tarlac.

Guo's 30 co-respondents are facing 31 counts of money laundering charges.

“Upon judicious evaluation and consideration of all the documentary evidence and totality of circumstances presented vis-a-vis the respondents’ arguments and defenses, the undersigned investigating panel is convinced that there exist prima facie cases for money laundering with reasonable certainty of conviction of respondents found to be involved in its complex web of commission,” stated the 49-page resolution issued by the panel of prosecutors that conducted the preliminary investigation.

In its resolution, the panel recommended the indictment of Guo for 26 counts of money laundering under Section 4(a) and five counts under Section 4(b) of of Republic Act (RA) No. 9160, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended.

The panel also recommended that Guo and her 30 co-respondents be charged with 31 counts of violating Section 4(d) of RA 9160, as amended.

Guo's co-respondents are Jian Zhong Guo; Li wenyi; Shiela L. Guo; Seimen L. Guo; Zhiyang Huang; Rachelle Joan Carreon; Baoying Lin; Ruijin Zhang; Thelma Barrogo Laranan; Rowena Gonzales Evangelista; Rita S. Yturralde; Merlie Joy Manalo Castro; Yun Zheng Can; Dennis L. Cunanan; Mariela Joy Masiclat Tulio; Jaimielyn Santos Cruz; Roderick Paul Bernardo Pujante; Juan Miguel Alpas; Bernard Chua Chua; Jack L. Uy; Wuli Dong; Wang Weili; Nong Ding Chang; Lang Xu Po; Ma The Pong; Huang Yue Hai; Zhicong Zhang; Ma Tram; Maybeline R. MIllo; and Walter Wong Long.

On the other hand, the panel dismissed the allegations of violations of Section 4(c) and Section 4(e) of RA 9160 “for lack of prima facie evidence and reasonable certainty of conviction.”

The cases involved the alleged criminal activities of Hongsheng Gaming Technology, Inc., later called Zun Yuan Technology, located inside the compound in Bamban, Tarlac owned by Baofu Land Development, Inc. where Guo served as president of the company.

Following three raids conducted in the compound from 2020 up to 2024 for alleged cybercrime operations, labor trafficking, and physical abuse, among others, the panel said “the existence of an unlawful activity inside Baofu compound was clearly established.”

“In light of all the circumstances and evidence presented, it clearly appears that five (5) corporations involved in the grand scheme were interconnected or interwoven,” it also said.

“These corporations took on different roles towards the accomplishment of the same purpose and design to commit unlawful activities and benefit therefrom,” it added.

The panel cited that “QJJ Farm and QSeed Genetics provided funds for the establishment of Baofu” while “Baofu constructed buildings that are perfectly suited for POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) operations.”

It said that Baofu “allowed the illicit operations of Hongsheng and Zun Yuan, which permits have been facilitated by Alice who owns Baofu.”

“The proximity of the periods of these corporations’ creation, facilitation, and operation were obviously in sync, in the same way that the people behind and the manner on how money trails were being concealed inspire suspicion, if not amazement,” said the panel.

“In fine, being the responsible officers and employees who promoted the incorporations of these corporations and who, thereafter, tolerated the commission of the illegal acts, are deemed to be conspirators, hence, should be held equally liable for money laundering,” it pointed out.

The resolution was signed Assistant State Prosecutor Moises Y. Acayan, Assistant State Prosecutor Monica T. Liwag, Senior State Prosecutor Tofel G. Austria and Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie L. Guhit with the approving signatures of Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Miguel F. Guido Jr. and Deputy State Prosecutor Deana P. Perez.

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