DOJ files 62 counts of money laundering vs Guo

The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday filed charges for 62 counts of money laundering against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo before the Capas Regional Trial Court in connection with the alleged illegal activities of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in her municipality.

- By ELIZABETH MARCELO

In an advisory sent to the media, accompanied by photos and videos of the actual filing, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) executive director Gilbert Cruz confirmed that the DOJ National Prosecution Service has lodged against Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, 62 cases of violation of Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 as amended by RA 10365.

Cruz said the charge sheets were accompanied by more than 60 boxes of documentary exhibits unloaded from two vans.

The charges specifically include 26 counts of transacting with illicit monetary instruments or property under Section 4 (a) of RA 9160; five counts of facilitating money laundering or converting, transferring or using assets from unlawful activity under Sec. 4 (b) of RA 9160 and 31 counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering under Sec. 4 (d) of RA 9160.

Named as Guo's co-accused in the 31 counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering were 30 other individuals including Jian Zhong Guo, also known as Angelito Guo aka Angelito dela Cruz Guo; Lin Wenyi aka Wen Yi Lin aka Amelia Leal; Shiela Leal Guo aka Mier Zhang; Seimen Leal Guo; Zhiyang Huang aka Boss Wang and Rachelle Joan Carreon.

Last January, a panel of prosecutors from the DOJ-NPS recommended the filing of 62 counts of money laundering against Guo, who the panel identified as the "brainchild and/or architect" of the alleged illegal activities inside the Baofu Land Development property located in Bamban.