BANTEN, RAKYAT NEWS – Former Bamban City Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, has been apprehended in Tangerang, Banten.

Guo is a fugitive sought in connection with a significant money laundering case. The Philippine Department of Justice confirmed her detention, stating that Guo is currently held by Indonesian authorities at the National Police’s Jatanras unit.

Guo’s arrest occurred on the evening of September 3, 2024, in Tangerang. She became a wanted fugitive after failing to appear before the Philippine Senate for questioning related to her case.

The Senate began its investigation in May after law enforcement raided a casino in Bamban, which was allegedly built on land partly owned by Guo during her tenure as mayor.

The casino raid was part of a broader probe into illegal activities linked to Guo. Alongside 35 others, Guo was reported to the Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Council last month. They are accused of laundering over 100 million pesos (approximately USD 1.8 million). As of now, there has been no response from Guo regarding these allegations.

According to the Philippine Anti-Crime Agency, Guo left the Philippines in July after being removed from her position as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. She traveled to Malaysia and Singapore before arriving in Indonesia in August using her Philippine passport.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the alleged financial crimes and Guo’s high-profile status. The Philippine authorities have been actively pursuing Guo, and her arrest marks a crucial development in the ongoing investigation.

The Indonesian authorities have been working closely with their Philippine counterparts to ensure that Guo faces justice. The case underscores the international dimension of financial crime and the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling such issues.

The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as both countries continue their legal and diplomatic efforts. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing financial misconduct and the need for vigilance and cooperation among nations. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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