Philippine Fugitive Ex-Mayor Faces Money Laundering Charges Tied to Chinese Syndicates

Philippine authorities have filed several money laundering charges against Alice Guo, a former town mayor with alleged links to Chinese criminal syndicates. The Anti-Money Laundering Council, alongside other agencies, claims Guo and her co-conspirators laundered over 100 million pesos from illegal activities. Guo denies the accusations and has fled the country.

Philippine authorities on Friday charged former town mayor Alice Guo, accused of ties to Chinese criminal syndicates, with several counts of money laundering. The ex-mayor, also known as Guo Hua Ping, allegedly laundered more than 100 million pesos and faces an investigation by the Senate for refusing to participate in hearings on her alleged criminal activities.

In collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) filed charges against Guo and 35 others at the Department of Justice. The AMLC revealed that the suspects were part of a sophisticated money laundering scheme connected to fraud, human trafficking, and violations of financial regulations. The agency also seeks to seize 6 billion pesos worth of assets, including properties and luxury items linked to the accused.

Guo, recently ousted from office, has evaded local authorities and traveled to neighboring countries. Her case is particularly sensitive amid rising tensions between the Philippines and China, exacerbated by territorial disputes in the South China Sea. This high-profile investigation reflects growing Philippine concerns over Chinese influence within its borders.

(With inputs from agencies.)