Alleged Chinese Spy Guo Hua Ping Runs Major POGO Operation in the Philippines

Manila, June 29, 2024 – In a shocking development, Alice Guo, also known by her Chinese name Guo Hua Ping, has been accused of espionage and running one of the largest Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations in the country. The accusations come amid a broader investigation into illegal activities tied to POGO hubs.

Sources within the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) revealed that Guo, the suspended mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, allegedly used her political position to facilitate and protect illegal POGO operations, which have been linked to serious crimes such as human trafficking and money laundering. Authorities claim that Guo’s operations have ties to Chinese organized crime groups, further complicating the security landscape in the Philippines.

The investigation intensified following a raid on the Zun Yuan Technology POGO hub, located on property leased by Baofu Land Development Inc., a company formerly presided over by Guo. Documents uncovered during the raid suggest that Guo had a significant role in managing and protecting the hub’s operations. Her fingerprint match to Guo Hua Ping confirmed her dual identity and deepened suspicions of espionage activities​ (Philstar)​​ (BusinessWorld Online)​.

Senators and national security experts have expressed grave concerns over the implications of having a foreign national, particularly one tied to espionage, in such a critical position of power. Calls for stricter regulations on POGO operations and a thorough investigation into Guo’s activities have been renewed.

The PAOCC, along with the Department of Justice, the Office of the Solicitor General, and the Philippine National Police, is preparing to file serious, non-bailable criminal charges against Guo and several associates. The charges will encompass allegations of human trafficking, illegal detention, and other crimes related to the POGO operations​ (Asia Gaming Brief)​.

As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on how deep the alleged espionage activities go and what measures will be taken to safeguard the nation’s security interests. This case underscores the urgent need for robust oversight of POGO operations and the potential national security risks they pose.

For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Philstar and Rappler.