Tag Archives: POGO

News

POGO Ban Philippines: Marcos Jr. Targets Crime-Linked Casinos

Posted on by PisoGame Admin
bbm ban pogo
21
Feb

Philippines Cracks Down on Online Casinos Amidst Scams and Criminal Activity

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the shutdown of a network of online casinos in the Philippines. These casinos, known as POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), have links to criminal activities.

POGOs: Targeting Chinese Players and Beyond

Primarily, POGOs target players in mainland China, where gambling is illegal. However, they have also become a front for illicit operations. These operations include, for instance, telecommunication scams and human trafficking.

A Shift in Policy

POGOs thrived under former President Rodrigo Duterte, who fostered closer ties with China. However, President Marcos Jr. has a different approach. In his annual address to parliament, he demanded an end to the “desecration of our country,” referring to the criminal activities of POGOs. “Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming,” he stated. These areas include, specifically, financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and even murder. (Source: BBC News)

Regulatory Action and Economic Impact

Consequently, the Philippine gaming regulator acted swiftly. On Tuesday, it announced license cancellations for POGOs. The sector will, therefore, wind down by year’s end. (Source: BBC News)

The POGO industry is substantial. It consists of over 400 licensed and unlicensed entities. These entities directly and indirectly employ about 40,000 people, according to government estimates. Furthermore, the industry generates about 166.5 billion pesos ($2.9 billion; £2.2 billion) annually. This includes tax and gaming revenues. Nevertheless, its economic costs are higher, estimated at 266 billion pesos annually. (Source: BBC News)

Criminal Connections and the Alice Guo Case

The link between POGOs and crime is now in the national spotlight. For example, a POGO in a small town was a front for a scam center. The town’s mayor, Alice Guo, is suspected of being a Chinese spy. She is currently in hiding. (Source: BBC News)

Clandestine Hospitals and Further Investigations

Moreover, POGOs have been linked to secret hospitals. These hospitals reportedly serve online casino workers. They offer, for instance, plastic surgery to fugitives and scam center employees, helping them evade arrest. (Source: BBC News)

Lack of Comment and the Future of POGOs

The BBC, additionally, contacted POGO businesses and employees. They declined to comment. (Source: BBC News)

In conclusion, this crackdown is a major policy shift. The Philippines is tackling online gambling and transnational crime. Undoubtedly, the closures will have economic consequences. However, the government prioritizes national security and public safety.

SOURCE: BBC.COM

News

Alice Guo Charged with 62 Counts of Money Laundering

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Alice Guo Charged with 62 Counts of Money Laundering
14
Feb

By MNN

Alice Guo Charged with 62 Counts of Money Laundering

Alice Guo and 31 co-defendants now face 62 counts of money laundering for their involvement in an illicit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday that Guo personally faces 26 counts related to financial transactions involving proceeds from unlawful activities.

Charges Against Alice Guo and Co-Accused

Authorities allege that Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, used her position and connections to facilitate illicit financial activities. DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed that her charges fall under two sections of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA):

  • 26 counts under Section 4(a): Conducting transactions involving monetary instruments from unlawful activities.
  • 5 counts under Section 4(b): Converting, transferring, or disposing of illicit proceeds.
  • 31 additional counts under Section 4(b): Facilitating illegal fund movements with her co-defendants.

Authorities dismissed some charges due to insufficient evidence, including allegations of fund concealment. Notably, the DOJ dropped charges against lawyer Jason Masuerte and business figures Nancy Gamo and Cassie Li Ong.

Investigators discovered that Guo’s operations tied into fraudulent schemes, including investment fraud, cryptocurrency scams, and romance scams. Clavano stated that criminals reinvested their profits into assets.

Guo also faces separate human trafficking charges after a June raid on the Bamban POGO hub, where authorities rescued 800 Filipino and foreign workers from inhumane conditions.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) linked the POGO industry to wider criminal networks, including drug syndicates and corporate fraud. Authorities continue to uncover the full extent of these illegal activities.

Guo’s Arrest and International Manhunt for Accomplices

Authorities arrested Guo in Jakarta last September after she fled the Philippines following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ban on offshore gaming in July. She initially sought refuge in Malaysia and Singapore before law enforcement tracked her to Indonesia. Despite her detention, Guo pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The Philippine government, in cooperation with Singaporean law enforcement, is pursuing Guo’s alleged accomplices, including:

  • Zhang Jie – A key figure in illegal online gaming in Singapore and the Philippines.
  • Wu Duanren – Operator of a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, accused of helping Guo escape.
  • Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying – A couple involved in Singapore’s multibillion-dollar money laundering case, later deported to Cambodia after serving prison sentences.

Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal POGO Operations

Despite the government’s ban, illegal POGO operations continue. On January 8, authorities raided another illicit POGO facility in Parañaque City, Metro Manila, arresting 400 foreign workers. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) took them into custody as part of the ongoing crackdown on illegal gaming activities.

Government officials remain committed to dismantling POGO networks and uncovering links to organized crime, reinforcing their dedication to eradicating these illicit businesses.

Implications of the Case

The charges against Alice Guo highlight the Philippine government’s determination to combat money laundering and illegal gaming operations. Officials stress that cracking down on POGO-related crimes is essential for reducing corruption and illicit financial activities.

Legal experts warn that Guo and her co-defendants could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. Meanwhile, the DOJ continues investigating Guo’s potential links to international crime syndicates, emphasizing the global nature of financial crimes related to offshore gaming.

Public and Government Reactions

The public has expressed outrage over these revelations, demanding stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents. Lawmakers are pushing for further investigations into other illegal POGO hubs. Some legislators have even proposed amendments to the AMLA to eliminate loopholes that enable financial crimes related to offshore gaming.

Additionally, human rights organizations have condemned the exploitation of workers in POGO hubs, urging the government to strengthen labor protections and combat human trafficking. The Philippine government has vowed to intensify its crackdown, ensuring that those responsible face justice.

Conclusion

The legal battle against Alice Guo and her co-accused marks a major step in the fight against money laundering and illegal POGO operations. As investigations progress, authorities aim to dismantle criminal networks and reinforce financial regulations to shield the nation from illicit activities. This case sends a clear warning to those involved in financial crimes, demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Source: PNA GOV

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News

The Alice Guo Case: A POGO Scandal Unfolds

Posted on by PisoGame Admin
14
Feb

The Alice Guo Case: A POGO Scandal Unfolds

Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, and 31 others face 62 money laundering charges. These charges connect them to an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced this on Wednesday. Guo faces 26 counts related to financial transactions involving illegal proceeds.

Guo’s Alleged Crimes

Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, allegedly abused her position. She facilitated illicit financial activities. DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano detailed the charges. Guo faces 26 counts under Section 4(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). These involve transactions with money from unlawful activities.

Furthermore, she faces five counts under Section 4(b). These relate to the conversion, transfer, or disposal of illicit proceeds. Guo and her co-defendants also face 31 more counts under Section 4(b). These charges involve facilitating illegal fund movements.

Some charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence, including allegations of concealing fund origins. Consequently, charges against lawyer Jason Masuerte, Nancy Gamo, and Cassie Li Ong were dropped.

Investigations linked Guo’s operations to various scams. These included investment fraud, cryptocurrency scams, and romance scams. Clavano stated that profits from these activities funded asset purchases. Moreover, Guo faces separate human trafficking charges. This follows a June raid on the Bamban POGO hub, where 800 Filipino and foreign workers were rescued from inhumane conditions.

POGO’s Connection to Organized Crime

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) connects the POGO industry to broader criminal networks. These networks include drug syndicates and corporate fraud. Currently, authorities are still investigating these illegal operations.

Guo’s Arrest and the Hunt for Accomplices

Guo was arrested in Jakarta last September. She fled the Philippines after President Marcos Jr.’s July ban on offshore gaming. Initially, she went to Malaysia and Singapore. Subsequently, authorities tracked her down in Indonesia. Guo has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Philippine authorities are working with Singaporean law enforcement. They are trying to apprehend Guo’s alleged accomplices. These individuals include Zhang Jie, a figure in illegal online gaming; Wu Duanren, operator of a Porac, Pampanga POGO hub; and Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying, a couple involved in a Singapore money laundering case.

Continuing Crackdown on Illegal POGOs

Despite the POGO ban, illegal operations continue. For example, on January 8, authorities raided another illicit POGO facility in Parañaque. They arrested 400 foreign workers. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has them in custody.

Authorities continue to dismantle POGO networks and uncover links to organized crime. The government is committed to eradicating these activities.

Guo’s case highlights the government’s efforts against money laundering and illegal gaming. The crackdown reflects the administration’s resolve to curb corruption. This case raises concerns about offshore gaming’s impact on national security, human trafficking, and the economy.

If convicted, Guo and her co-defendants could face significant penalties, including sentences. The DOJ is investigating links to international crime syndicates.

Public and Government Reactions

The public is outraged. They are calling for stricter regulations. Lawmakers want more investigations into other illegal POGO hubs. Furthermore, some propose AMLA amendments.

Human rights organizations condemned worker exploitation. They are pushing for stronger labor protections. The government has vowed to intensify its crackdown.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Justice

Guo’s legal proceedings are a significant step. Authorities aim to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen regulations. This case serves as a warning to others involved in similar schemes.

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