Alice Guo, the mayor of Bamban, a town in the Philippines, is currently under investigation by the Philippine Senate due to alleged connections to criminal enterprises linked to a S$3 billion money laundering case in Singapore. This investigation was initiated after revelations emerged regarding her involvement with two foreign nationals arrested in Singapore for their roles in this case.

Guo, who has reportedly owned 16 vehicles and a helicopter, co-founded Baofu Land Development in 2019 with Zhang Ruijin, Lin Baoying, and others. Media sources indicate that this company built a compound in Bamban that purportedly served as a hub for illegal activities, including scam operations.

Zhang, a Chinese national, recently pleaded guilty in Singapore to charges of money laundering and forgery, receiving a 15-month prison sentence. His partner, Lin, is facing multiple charges and is expected to plead guilty as well.

During a recent Senate hearing led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, Guo denied knowledge of her business partners’ alleged criminal activities, asserting that she divested from Baofu Land Development in 2022, prior to her election as mayor. She stated she only communicated with Huang Zhiyang, another partner who is currently a fugitive.

Documents acquired during the investigation revealed the compound developed by Baofu Land Development included numerous structures, such as barracks and villas, as well as amenities like an Olympic-sized swimming pool. It was reportedly associated with a company that conducted fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scams under the guise of a legitimate Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo).

Guo’s extravagant lifestyle, including ownership of a helicopter and luxury cars, has raised questions about her financial sources. Senator Hontiveros expressed concerns that Guo’s wealth might be linked to illicit activities, questioning the legitimacy of her affluent lifestyle.

In response to the investigation, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has supported the inquiry and raised doubts about Guo’s background and identity. Guo has faced scrutiny regarding her nationality and personal history during the Senate proceedings.

Additionally, the investigation highlighted links between various arrested individuals in Singapore and illegal gambling operations in the Philippines, with many of the implicated foreigners connected to online gambling ventures targeting Chinese citizens.

As the Senate probe continues, Guo maintains her innocence, claiming no involvement with or knowledge of any criminal operations, while her control over local police has been revoked pending further investigation.