By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said six big casinos terminated the operations of the two junket operators linked to the kidnapping of businessman Anson Que.
In a press briefing at Camp Olivas in San Fernando City, Pampanga on Thursday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the six casinos made the decision due to the junket operators’ possible violation of laws.
The PNP previously alleged that junket operators 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Club facilitated a money laundering operation involving approximately PHP200 million ransom paid for the release of Que, also known as Anson Tan.
On Monday, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said it has started a probe into the alleged money laundering of the ransom money paid.
The AMLC said the ransom monies were originally paid in Philippine peso and US dollars but were later converted to cryptocurrency.
Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo went missing on March 29 after leaving the former’s office in Valenzuela City. The following day, Que’s family received a ransom demand of USD20 million through a phone chat application.
Their bodies were found by a roadside in Rodriguez, Rizal on April 9. (PNA)
