The Philippines’ Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has obtained a freeze order from the Court of Appeals (CA) on the assets of suspended Mayor Alice Guo and other individuals allegedly involved in the illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
According to reports, in a statement released late Thursday, the AMLC identified Mayor Alice Guo, along with Zhiyang Huang and Baoying Lin, in its petition.
The Court of Appeals’ freeze order on July 10th encompasses a wide range of assets, including 90 bank accounts spread across 14 financial institutions, numerous real estate properties, and high-value personal assets such as luxury vehicles and a helicopter.
The AMLC stated that the action aims to prevent asset dissipation during ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.
The individuals are suspected of orchestrating human trafficking and fraudulent activities through three companies.
The investigation revealed substantial financial transactions and amassed assets linked to these individuals, alongside their involvement in money laundering, human trafficking, and other illicit operations, it further stated.
Earlier this week, the country’s Senate cited Alice Guo for contempt and ordered her arrest for repeatedly ignoring inquiries into illegal activities involving the POGO business.
Alice Guo’s mayoral position was suspended while she is under investigation by various government departments. However, she has skipped the resumption of the Senate investigation into the case twice, claiming illness and citing death threats as reasons.
