The chair of the House of Representatives on Wednesday warned that the laundering of ransom money paid in the Anson Que kidnapping case through junket operators, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency platforms points to a “deep and alarming national security threat.”
“This is no longer just about ransom—it’s about a vast shadow economy of crime that’s infiltrating and abusing our financial system,” said Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the Quad Comm, which has investigated, among others, the surge of criminal operations tied to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that flourished during the Duterte administration.
“What we’re dealing with is a deeply entrenched network of foreign syndicates using the Philippines as a safe haven for financial crimes,” Barbers added.
Barbers commended the PNP, under the leadership of Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, for its breakthrough in tracing the money trail and exposing the complex laundering scheme.
“These criminals are sophisticated, well-financed, and well-connected. They must be met with the full force of the law,” he added.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the ransom money was routed through two junket operators—9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Club—before being dispersed across at least 10 e-wallets, many registered under false identities. The funds were later converted into cryptocurrency, making recovery and tracing efforts difficult.
One of the e-wallets used was reportedly owned by a Chinese national previously arrested for espionage, according to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
While direct links between the kidnapping and espionage have not been established, Barbers said the overlap is deeply concerning.
“It’s a toxic mix that’s endangering the safety of our people and the integrity of our financial and national security systems,” he pointed out.
Barbers warned that organized crime groups are exploiting weaknesses in the country’s digital finance infrastructure, including inadequate enforcement of Know-Your-Customer (KYC) regulations among e-wallet and virtual asset providers.
The PNP said that while authorities were able to freeze around P4.4 million in overseas accounts, most of the ransom has vanished into the crypto ecosystem.
A red notice has been issued for key suspects, including Wenli Gong, who allegedly facilitated the digital laundering of the funds.
The seasoned lawmaker urged Congress, law enforcement agencies, and financial regulators to tighten oversight of junkets, POGOs, and crypto transactions, warning that without swift reforms, the Philippines risks becoming a “haven for transnational crime.”
