Former mayor arrested over illegal online gaming scams

A former Filipino town mayor, who became a fugitive after being accused of aiding the formation of an illegal online gambling and scam center catering mainly to Chinese clients, has been arrested near Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta.

The apprehension of Alice Guo, who fled the Philippines amid mounting legal troubles, marks a significant breakthrough in a case that has drawn international attention.

Indonesian authorities captured Guo late Tuesday night at a residence in Tangerang, a city near Jakarta, according to Khrisna Murti, head of the international division of Indonesia’s National Police.

Guo is currently in custody and awaiting deportation to the Philippines, where she faces multiple criminal charges.

Murti pointed out the successful collaboration between Indonesian and Filipino law enforcement in tracking and apprehending Guo.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to Indonesia for its cooperation, issuing a stern warning to those who attempt to escape the law.

He said: “Let this serve as a warning to those who attempt to evade justice,” adding that arrangements are underway for Guo’s return to the Philippines.

Guo, who previously served as mayor of Bamban, a rural town in Tarlac province north of Manila, fled the Philippines in July.

She was tracked across Southeast Asia, with stops in Malaysia and Singapore, before her capture in Indonesia. Two of her companions, who reportedly evaded normal immigration procedures alongside her, were also recently detained in Indonesia.

Elected as mayor in 2022, Guo quickly became embroiled in controversy, accused of playing a key role in establishing a sprawling complex near the town hall that served as a hub for illegal online gambling operations targeting Chinese clients.

In China, gambling is strictly prohibited, adding another layer of severity to the allegations against her.

Guo’s refusal to appear before a Senate committee investigating the illegal gambling operations led to her arrest order.

Guo has also faced accusations of concealing her Chinese nationality to qualify for public office, a position reserved exclusively for Filipino citizens. Some senators have even suggested she could be a Chinese spy, though Guo has denied all allegations.

In July, President Marcos ordered a sweeping ban on the largely Chinese-run online gaming operations in the Philippines, citing their involvement in serious crimes such as human trafficking, torture, kidnappings, and murder.

The crackdown, which has received backing from Beijing, led to the closure of numerous large-scale complexes suspected of exploiting thousands of workers from China, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries under deplorable conditions.

The extradition process will be conducted under the terms of a 1976 agreement between Indonesia and the Philippines.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press