Last Updated on 04/09/2024 by Arun jain
A former mayor on the run has been arrested in Indonesia after being accused of money laundering and ties to the Chinese mafia, authorities in Manila said Wednesday.
Alice Guo was arrested in Jakarta and is currently in the custody of Indonesian police, the Philippines Department of Justice said in a statement.
Guo is wanted by the Philippine Senate for refusing to appear before a congressional investigation into his alleged criminal activities.
Filipino authorities are working with their Indonesian counterparts to extradite him, officials in Manila said.
What is the charge against Guo?
Guo faces charges related to corruption, money laundering and a scandal in the Philippine city of Bamban, where she previously served as mayor.
Guo and his co-conspirators are suspected of having laundered criminal proceeds of more than 100 million pesos ($1.8 million, €1.63 million).
According to authorities, a Chinese-run online gambling center favors Guo, which forced hundreds of people.
She is also suspected of forging her identity to run for office. Officials say his fingerprints match that of Guo Hua Ping, a Chinese national.
Guo claims she is a natural-born Philippine citizen and has labeled the allegations “malicious.”
The President says there is no need to escape from the law
Indonesia welcomed Guo’s arrest, saying it was made possible by “close cooperation between our two governments”.
“We are already finalizing arrangements for Alice Guo’s return,” the president’s statement said.
Marcos Jr. also said on social media that Filipino authorities will come for all those who “helped her flight.”
He added that an investigation is underway.
ss/nm (AFP, Reuters)
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