The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently revealed that six major casinos have terminated their cooperation with two gaming intermediaries suspected of money laundering, which are linked to the kidnapping and ransom case involving Chinese businessman Anson Que (also known as Anson Tan).
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jane Fajardo pointed out at a press conference in San Fernando, Pampanga that the involved casinos proactively ceased business with "9 Dynasty Group" and another agency known as "Some Club" after receiving police notifications. The police suspect that these two companies helped the kidnappers launder up to 200 million pesos in ransom.
According to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) of the Philippines, the ransom was initially paid in pesos and US dollars, then converted into cryptocurrencies and flowed out of the casino system. Currently, AMLC is working with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the national police to trace the flow of funds and investigate potential involvement in underground financial networks.
This shocking kidnapping case in the Filipino-Chinese community occurred on March 29, when Que and his driver disappeared in Valenzuela City, and the family received a ransom demand of 20 million US dollars the next day. By April 9, the bodies of the two were found in Rizal province, showing signs of severe abuse.
PNP urges the casino industry to strengthen background checks on intermediaries and cooperate in investigating all suspicious transactions, while continuing to pursue fugitive suspects and encouraging the public to provide clues to assist in solving the case.
