DOJ files in court 31 money laundering cases against Alice Guo, 30 co-accused
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday, May 23, filed, in court, 31 cases of money laundering against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice L. Guo and 30 other persons as co-accused.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon confirmed the filing of the cases before the regional trial court (RTC) of Capas, Tarlac after a panel of prosecutors released a resolution approving the indictment.
“Because of the number of informations (criminal charge sheets) that had to be prepared and its attachments, it took a while to file,” Fadullon explained.
The DOJ’s panel of prosecutors approved that Guo be indicted for 26 counts of money laundering under Section 4(a) and five counts of money laundering under Section 4(b) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9160, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended.
The panel also said that Guo and her 30 co-accused be charged with 31 counts of violating Section 4(d) of RA 9160, as amended.
Guo’s co-accused 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.
“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 resolution.
The cases stemmed from 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 has served as president.
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 prosecutors 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 Operators) operations.”
They 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,” they said.
“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,” the prosecutors pointed out.