POGO-linked ex-Mayor Alice Guo arrested in Indonesia, to face charges in the Philippines

Jenny Ortiz September 4, 2024

SiGMA news

POGO-linked ex-Mayor Alice Guo arrested in Indonesia, to face charges in the Philippines

The Philippines’ Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed the arrest of Alice Guo, the dismissed Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia. Guo was apprehended by Indonesian authorities.

This development was verified by the Philippine Immigration counterparts, with Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police providing further confirmation. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago noted that Guo will return to the Philippines soon. Upon her arrival, she will be taken to the Bureau of Immigration before being handed over to the NBI. Criminal charges are expected to be filed against her before she is brought before the Senate. This arrest follows the detention of Guo’s sister, Sheila Guo, and their business associate, Cassandra Li Ong, both of whom were arrested last month and are currently in custody in the Philippines.

PAOCC, Gatchalian also confirm Guo’s arrest

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) also confirmed Guo’s arrest. PAOCC chief Gilbert Cruz shared the information through a social media post, which was echoed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. However, the PAOCC said there was no information regarding the presence of her brother, Wesley Guo, who also fled the Philippines, at the time of her arrest.

Nahuli na si Guo Hua Ping aka Alice Guo sa Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia. Mananagot ang dapat managot! pic.twitter.com/VGwIkBvGHu
— Win Gatchalian (@WinGatchalian74) September 4, 2024

Guo’s legal troubles and charges

Alice Guo faces serious charges in the Philippines, including complaints for qualified human trafficking and money laundering, both related to her involvement with Baofu, a leasing company. According to evidence submitted to the DOJ, Guo allegedly used Baofu as a front for illegal activities connected to Hong Sheng/Zun Yuan, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

There are currently no court-issued warrants for Guo’s arrest, only a Senate warrant based on contempt. Indonesian authorities likely detained Guo for immigration violations or offenses related to obstruction of justice. Her sister, Sheila, previously claimed that Alice fled the Philippines by boat in mid-July, eventually reaching Sabah, Malaysia. However, authorities have expressed doubts regarding the accuracy of Sheila’s account.

As the situation unfolds, Guo’s impending return to the Philippines marks a step forward in the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings against her and her associates. The full extent of the charges she will face upon her return remains to be seen, but the case underscores the growing cooperation between Southeast Asian law enforcement agencies.

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