Major developments have emerged in the Philippines as the country’s Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC)confirmed it is conducting an investigation into junket operators over serious money laundering allegations.

Several arrests were made at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, where individuals were reportedly found in possession of large amounts of cash. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the foreign nationals involved claimed they had been brought into the country by the White Horse Club junket.

This incident adds to the growing pressure on junket operations, particularly following previous allegations involving White Horse, 9 Dynasty Group, and some of their VIP clientele in connection with the death of a local man.

A key focus of the investigation involves e-wallets, which were reportedly used to transfer funds back to accounts linked to the two junkets.

The AMLC emphasized it is working closely with the PNP, PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation), and casinos in this ongoing probe.

Law enforcement is also investigating the alleged laundering of ransom money paid in relation to the kidnapping of businessman Anson Que.

In an official statement, the AMLC said: “The illicit scheme reportedly utilised e-wallets designated for casino gaming, shell accounts, and cryptocurrency to conceal the money trail. 

The AMLC received reports that 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Club officially ceased junket operations in most – if not all – Philippine casinos on 7 May 2025, following reports that 9 Dynasty is exiting the Philippine market. Nevertheless, the AMLC remains fully committed to investigating their alleged money laundering activities.

The AMLC is actively working with the PNP to gather evidence, trace ransom payments in all forms, and initiate asset forfeiture proceedings.”

The investigation reportedly extends beyond the kidnappers who coordinated the ransom payments. Authorities are now also targeting casino patrons associated with the junkets who initially received ransom money through their e-wallets.

The AMLC also stated:“Regarding the unauthorized e-wallet operations by these junket operators, especially those with cryptocurrency conversion capabilities, the AMLC is coordinating with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

Additionally, we are collaborating with foreign financial intelligence units (FIUs) to trace the global movement of funds that originated in the Philippines.

Through this investigation, the AMLC reaffirms its dedication to protecting financial integrity, resolving this case swiftly, and ensuring that the Philippine financial system does not become a channel for illicit financial activity.”

These developments coincide with PAGCOR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulation of the gaming industry. A recent internal memo confirmed that PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department intends to release a Regulatory Framework for the Accreditation of Gaming Affiliates and Support Service Providers.

Under the proposed framework, companies supporting the iGaming sector – including game aggregators, content providers, payment processors, and KYC providers – will be formally required to undergo accreditation. Previously, such businesses operated in the Philippine gaming space without formal registration.

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