Investigations Into Alice Guo Expand to Singapore

_{Alice Guo, former mayor of Bamban, faces serious allegations linking her to organized crime, POGOs, and money laundering. (Image: : Associated Press / Alamy)}

Alice Guo, who served as the mayor of Bamban, Philippines, from June 2022 until her removal in August 2024, is embroiled in serious allegations connecting her to organized crime and potential espionage for China. 

The inquiry into her dealings began after multiple reports surfaced about human trafficking and scam operations linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in her jurisdiction. 

The investigations have expanded to Singapore amid allegations of her involvement in money laundering and other crimes. Guo is linked to Singaporeans Zhang Jie and Wu Duanren, who allegedly played roles in her escape from the Philippines as she faced investigations into her ties to illegal online casinos.  

Guo’s Safety Reassured in Return for Names of ‘Big People’

Benhur Abalos, the Philippine Interior Secretary, told Guo not to be afraid and has reiterated that he would like names of accomplices. He said, “What is important is that you (Guo) disclose the ‘big people’ involved, disclose the names in order to serve justice so all this ends.”  

One of those is Zhang Jie, the former president of an online casino group, who is wanted for his alleged involvement in human trafficking and scams associated with Philippine POGOs, which were banned in July 2024 for links to crime.

Another is Wu Duanren, who is described by Philippine lawmakers as the “boss” of various illegal gambling operations. 

Authorities have indicated they will take action against Zhang and Wu if credible evidence of their offenses is presented. The Singaporean police are cooperating with Philippine authorities in this matter.  

Tracing the Footsteps of Alice Guo 

In March 2024, an anti-crime commission raid on a suspected POGO site in Bamban revealed over 800 foreign nationals allegedly held against their will for scam operations. This led to a Senate inquiry in May 2024, during which Guo was repeatedly absent due to reported death threats and mental health issues. 

Not all painted Guo with the same brush. The Inquirer reported that Filipino-Chinese civic leader Teresita Ang-See called out the alleged Senate “witch hunt” against Guo, noting that it was “way below decency.” 

In July 2024, as questioning intensified, Guo allegedly fled the Philippines, traversing various Southeast Asian countries before being apprehended in Indonesia on September 3, 2024. Upon her extradition, she faced multiple charges, including illegal citizenship acquisition, money laundering, human trafficking, and involvement in organized crime.  

Following her arrest in Indonesia, Guo was returned to the Philippines to face legal proceedings. Guo was accused of establishing a company involved in scams alongside convicted money launderers in Singapore, raising suspicions of her being part of a broader criminal network. 

The Senate's investigation revealed ties between Guo, Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying, both imprisoned in Singapore for money laundering. 

Guo's response to the birth of the allegations has been one of defiance, maintaining her identity as a natural-born Filipino citizen while expressing readiness to challenge the claims against her.