During the launch of the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is seen to play a key role in tracking financial transactions even when ransom payments are made via cryptocurrency, Police General Rommel Marbil of the Philippine National Police (PNP) emphasized.
Note: This statement was released before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Police Major General Nicolas Torre III as the new PNP Chief after Marbil retires on the first week of June.
Increasing Use of Crypto in Crimes
Speaking in an interview, Marbil noted that the recent kidnapping operations are often carried out by large criminal syndicates that exploit technological tools to avoid detection.
This was where the PNP chief stressed that because of the “rise in sophistication and impunity of such criminal activities,” the authorities are forced to “respond with equal, if not greater, resolve.”
Marbil then highlighted that one major concern is the use of cryptocurrency in ransom payments, which criminals use to obscure money trails.
“In fact, we have learned our lesson, kapag napupunta sa crypto (ang ransom). And pagka-crypto, kailangan namin iyong AMLC para mahanap namin kung asan iyong flow… Kasi dati, ang dali lang mahanapin iyong pera. Kung asan iyong pera, just follow the money trail. Ngayon, hindi na—nawawala na kapag nandito na sa cyber, cryptocurrency.”
General Rommel Francisco Marbil, Chief, Philippine National Police
[Translation: “In fact, we have learned our lesson on what to do if the ransom money were converted into cryptocurrency. If that happens, we need AMLC to search for where this money went. Because before, the money trail can be easily identified as we just follow where the money is. Today, we cannot do that anymore. The money trail is lost if the ransom has been converted into cryptocurrency.”]
To counter these, the PNP stressed that JAKAC is aimed at mobilizing a broad coalition of government agencies and stakeholders and foreign counterparts such as Filipino-Chinese communities and embassies.
Marbil described this as a “whole-of-nation response,” adding that media and private sector partners are also part of the synchronized effort to disrupt syndicates, protect victims, and ensure swift law enforcement operations.
It can be remembered that recently, Chinese Filipino businessman Anson Que and his driver were kidnapped and later found dead in April 2025. A ransom of ₱200 million was partially paid in cryptocurrency.
Moreover, cypher punk and software engineer Jameson Lopp estimated that wrench attacks are now happening at an average rate of one per week, based on the increasing number of documented cases.
What is JAKAC?
The JAKAC is a multi-agency task force launched by the PNP to identify, investigate, and neutralize organized kidnap-for-hire operations in the country. It was prompted by a recent surge in abduction cases using advanced and emerging technologies.
Led by the PNP, JAKAC is supported by AMLC and various government agencies, such as:
- Department of the Interior and Local Government
- Department of Justice
- Armed Forces of the Philippines
- Bureau of Immigration
- National Bureau of Investigation
- Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation
- Philippine Center for Transnational Crime
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations Police
- Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission
- National Security Council
- National Intelligence Coordinating Agency
- Department of Information and Communications Technology
- Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center
The committee is also said to receive support from private sector organizations, such as:
- Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
- Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption
- Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order
- Bankers Association of the Philippines
- Makati Business Club
The PNP stressed that JAKAC will focus on quicker response and better case resolution through a coordinated, intelligence-based approach.
Recently, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), in coordination with the SEC, served search warrants on May 17, 2025. at an unlicensed crypto investment and remittance center in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Authorities acted on reports that the firm was operating without proper authorization.
It followed the May 13 arrest of five individuals allegedly running a similar illegal crypto scheme in the province. Police said the group solicited at least ₱30,000 from investors, promising a 10% monthly return despite lacking permits.
Regarding the Anson Que case, the PNP traced the funds on two locally licensed crypto exchanges and were subpoenaed.
Authorities now call for stricter regulations, expanded AML coverage, and stronger KYC measures.
This article is published on BitPinas: PNP Expresses Confidence that AMLC Can Track Ransom Payments Even If Crypto is Used
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