Police investigators are now coordinating with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and other government agencies to conduct an extensive money trail involving around P200 million worth of cryptocurrency that was sent in multiple tranches in relation to the kidnapping of businessman Anson Que.

This developed as Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed that they are still looking for at least two more Chinese who are believed to have played a key role in the abduction of Que on March 29.

Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo were found dead in Rizal on April 9, which prompted investigators to believe that the intention was not really kidnapping but to kill the businessman.

“The initial demand is $20 million but the involved here is more or less P200 million in cryptocurrency sent in multiple tranches,” said Fajardo.

“This is now the challenge. We need other relevant other government agencies including the AMLC to follow the money trail and considering that this is cryptocurrency, it’s beyond the reach of the PNP alone,” she added.

Fajardo said the money trail is essential in identifying the other key players in the Que kidnapping.

On Saturday, April 19, police announced the arrest of two people— Richardo Austria David and Raymart Catequista— and the surrender of David Tan Liao who was allegedly forced to yield over threats from the people who tasked him to kidnap Que.

Police have established the motive behind the abduction but asked for more time to reveal it based on the request of Que’s relatives.

“We are looking into a very solid lead which reveals that kidnapping for ransom is not the motive but the family requested that we don’t reveal the direction of the investigation,” said Fajardo.

Thank you!

Following the announcement of the arrest of three people involved in the kidnapping, Que’s family expressed gratitude to President Marcos and PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil for focusing on solving the case.

Marbil earlier formed a special task force headed by PNP’s chief directorial staff head Lt. Gen. Alan Edgar Okubo to expedite the probe aimed at identifying and arresting all the involved.

“Your tireless efforts made a real difference in the early arrest of the malefactors and we are grateful for your perseverance. We highly appreciate your bravery and courage in keeping our community safe,” the statement issued by the family through lawyer Mei Go.

Bravo!

For its part, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) commended the PNP for what it described as diligent, behind-the-scenes work that yielded significant initial results.

The group also lauded Marbil for the special efforts to solve the case.

“VACC anticipates the complete resolution of the Anson Que case, encompassing the identification and prosecution of all involved parties, including the mastermind,” the VACC said in a statement.

“We express our profound gratitude for the restoration of public trust and confidence in law enforcement, the cornerstone of our criminal justice system,” it added.

Not true

Meanwhile, Marbil refuted circulating social media reports about the kidnapping of several high-profile business personalities.

“These reports are completely untrue and have no factual basis,” said Marbil, as he warned of consequences for those spreading what he described as malicious disinformation.

He said they are closely monitoring the spread of these false narratives and are now taking steps to identify and hold accountable those responsible for creating and sharing these misleading stories.

“The PNP reminds the public that spreading fake news is a criminal offense and those proven to have done so will face legal consequences,” he said.