DOJ Files 31 Money Laundering Cases Against Bamban Mayor and Others
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed 31 money laundering cases against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice L. Guo and 30 others. The charges were formally submitted to the regional trial court (RTC) of Capas, Tarlac, following the approval of the indictment by a panel of prosecutors.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the filing process took some time due to the large volume of criminal charge sheets and their accompanying evidence. Prosecutors confirmed that Guo faces 26 counts of money laundering under Section 4(a) and five counts under Section 4(b) of Republic Act No. 9160, also known as the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended.
Details of Charges and Co-Accused
The indictment also includes 31 counts of violating Section 4(d) of the same law against Guo and her 30 co-accused. The accused individuals include Jian Zhong Guo, Shiela L. Guo, Seimen L. Guo, and several others linked to the case. The investigating panel stated, “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.”
Unlawful Activities Within Baofu Compound
The cases arise from alleged criminal activities connected to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc., later renamed Zun Yuan Technology, which operated inside the Baofu Land Development Inc. compound in Bamban. Guo served as president of Baofu.
Reports indicate that three raids conducted between 2020 and 2024 uncovered illegal activities, including cybercrime operations, labor trafficking, and physical abuse inside the compound. The prosecutors concluded that, “the existence of an unlawful activity inside Baofu compound was clearly established.”
Corporate Connections and Money Trails
Further investigation revealed that five corporations were intertwined in the scheme. These companies played different roles but worked together to carry out illegal activities and profit from them. Prosecutors noted that QJJ Farm and QSeed Genetics provided funding for Baofu’s establishment, while Baofu built facilities tailored for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations.
The prosecutors explained that Baofu permitted the illicit operations of Hongsheng and Zun Yuan, with permits facilitated by Guo. They added, “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.”
Liability of Officers and Employees
Authorities emphasized that individuals responsible for incorporating these companies and allowing illegal acts to continue should be treated as conspirators. Hence, they should be held equally accountable for money laundering.
The ongoing legal proceedings underscore the government’s commitment to combating financial crimes linked to complex corporate networks.
For more news and updates on money laundering cases, visit Filipinokami.com.