The 2 junket operators linked to the Anson Que kidnapping-slay case have ceased operations in Philippine casinos because the Anti-Cash Laundering Council (AMLC) deepens its investigation into the alleged laundering of ₱200 million in ransom cash by way of casino-linked e-wallets and cryptocurrency.
Junket Operators Stop PH Operations
The AMLC confirmed that each 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Membership formally ended their operations in most, if not all, native casinos as of Could 7, 2025.
Notably, in a separate assertion launched on Could 6, 9 Dynasty Group, also referred to as Jiuding Group, additionally confirmed its exit from the Philippine market.
Regardless of their departure, the AMLC emphasised that as a authorities company, it is going to proceed pursuing forfeiture actions and gathering proof associated to the ransom’s conversion and dispersal.
Junket operators are companies that cater to high-rolling gamblers by arranging their visits to casinos, usually offering perks equivalent to journey, lodging, and gaming credit score. Serving as middlemen between casinos and prosperous, usually worldwide, purchasers, they earn commissions based mostly on the quantity their gamers wager.
Accordingly, licensed on line casino giants Solaire, Okada Manila, and Resorts World are additionally reportedly chopping ties with these junket operators.
Cash Path Investigation
In a media release, the AMLC acknowledged that it’s coordinating with the Philippine Nationwide Police (PNP), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Company, and on line casino operators to hint the illicit monetary flows associated to the kidnapping of businessman Anson Que.
Authorities say the ransom, initially paid in pesos and U.S. {dollars}, was transformed to cryptocurrency to obscure its path.
Based on the PNP, the 2 junket companies allegedly facilitated the laundering course of utilizing e-wallets designed for on line casino use, shell accounts, and digital property. On line casino patrons tied to those junkets reportedly obtained parts of the ransom cash by way of these e-wallets, additional complicating the transaction chain.
The probe additionally scrutinized the unauthorized use of e-wallets with cryptocurrency options, with the AMLC working in tandem with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Securities and Change Fee to deal with regulatory considerations.
As well as, the AMLC is coordinating with overseas monetary intelligence models to trace the worldwide movement of funds linked to the ransom case.
“Via this ongoing investigation, the AMLC reaffirms its dedication to upholding monetary integrity, supporting the fast decision of this case, and making certain that the Philippine monetary system doesn’t develop into a conduit for illicit actions.”
Anti-Cash Laundering Council (AMLC)
Anson Que Case
On April 9, 2025, Chinese language Filipino businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo had been kidnapped and located lifeless in Rodriguez, Rizal, regardless of a reported ₱200 million ransom fee.
Not too long ago, Philippine authorities investigating the case discovered ₱4.5 million in cryptocurrency ransom cash was transferred by way of unlicensed e-wallets linked to the 2 on line casino junket operators after which moved by way of digital asset service suppliers. This led to subpoenas for 2 native crypto exchanges. The PNP highlighted the issue in tracing cryptocurrency transactions in comparison with conventional kidnapping instances.
Following Que’s killing, questions arose about whether or not the PNP may enlist $USDT issuer Tether’s help in tracing and recovering the ransom.
In a BitPinas article, it was discussed that Tether can technically freeze $USDT linked to unlawful actions by way of blockchain-level intervention, usually following authorized or regulatory directives, regardless of the stablecoin working on a decentralized community.
Because the issuer and controller, Tether has this authority and has collaborated with over 235 regulation enforcement businesses globally to freeze over $2.5 billion in $USDT associated to varied illicit actions, together with terrorism, human trafficking, and cash laundering.
This text is revealed on BitPinas: Junket Operators Exit PH As AMLC Probes ₱200M Ransom Laundered Through Crypto and Casino Wallets
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