The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said Tuesday it is working with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), and casino operators to investigate the alleged laundering of ransom money related to the kidnapping and killing of businessman Anson Que.
The AMLC said the ransom was originally paid in Philippine pesos and US dollars, but was later converted into cryptocurrency.
The PNP alleged that junket operators 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Club facilitated a money laundering operation involving the approximately P200-million ransom paid for Que’s release.
“The illicit scheme reportedly utilized e-wallets intended exclusively for casino gaming, shell accounts, and cryptocurrency to obscure the money trail,” the AMLC said.
The council noted that it received reports indicating that 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Club ceased their junket operations in most, if not all, Philippine casinos on May 7, 2025—coinciding with 9 Dynasty’s reported announcement of its exit from the Philippine market.
Despite this development, the AMLC said it remains committed to investigating their alleged money laundering activities.
It added that it is actively collaborating with the PNP to gather evidence, trace the ransom funds in all their forms, and pursue forfeiture proceedings.
“The investigation extends beyond the kidnappers who directed the ransom payment process. It also targets casino players within these junket operations who initially received the ransom funds via their e-wallets,” the AMLC said.
Regarding the unlicensed e-wallet operations of the junket operators, which reportedly include cryptocurrency conversion capabilities, the AMLC said it is also coordinating with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Additionally, it said it is working with foreign financial intelligence units (FIUs) to track the movement of funds originating from the Philippines.
The AMLC reaffirmed its dedication to upholding financial integrity, supporting the swift resolution of the case, and ensuring the Philippine financial system does not become a conduit for illicit activities.
