Significant developments in the Philippines have seen the country’s Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) confirm an investigation into junket operators regarding major money laundering allegations.
There were also a number of arrests at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport with detained individuals allegedly possessing significant sums of cash. According to The Philippine National Police (PNP), the foreign nationals in the group claimed they were brought into the country by White Horse Club junket.
This further intensifies pressure on the junket operation, coming after allegations embroiled the group alongside 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse, and a section of the firm’s VIPs, in the death of a local man.
Key to the investigations that embroiled the group when e-wallets went back to accounts from the two junkets.
The AMLC emphasised that it is in close collaboration with PNP, the PAGCOR and the casinos.
The law enforcement agencies are conducting investigations into the alleged money laundering of the ransom money paid relating to the kidnapping of businessman Anson Que.
A statement from the body said: “The illicit scheme reportedly utilised e-wallets intended exclusively for casino gaming, shell accounts, and cryptocurrency to obscure the money trail.
“The AMLC received reports that 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Club officially ended their junket operations in most, if not all, Philippine casinos on 7 May 2025 — alongside 9 Dynasty’s reported announcement of its exit from the Philippine market. However, the AMLC remains steadfast in its commitment to probe their alleged money laundering activities.
“The AMLC is actively collaborating with the PNP to gather evidence on the unlawful activities, tracing the ransom funds in all their forms, and pursuing forfeiture proceedings.”
It was also confirmed that the investigation goes deeper beyond the kidnappers who directed the ransom payment process – also taking aim at casino players within these junket operations who initially received the ransom funds via their e-wallets.
“As to the unlicensed operations of these junket operators of e-wallets with cryptocurrency conversion capabilities, the AMLC is also coordinating with the BSP and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
“Additionally, the AMLC is coordinating with foreign financial intelligence units (FIUs) to gather more information on the movement of funds originating from the Philippines.
“Through this ongoing investigation, the AMLC reaffirms its dedication to upholding financial integrity, supporting the immediate resolution of this case, and ensuring that the Philippine financial system does not become a conduit for illicit activities.”
The developments come amidst the continued efforts of PAGCOR to tighten the regulatory framework around the sector, and increase scrutiny over operators in the sector.
A recent memo confirmed PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department’s held ambitions to release a Regulatory Framework for the Accreditation of Gaming Affiliates and Support Service providers.
As a result, for the first time, entities supporting iGaming, such as game aggregators, game content providers, payment providers and KYC providers, will be required to undergo formal accreditation. Previously, such businesses had operated within the Filipino gaming ecosystem without the need for formal registration.
