Former Philippine Mayor Convicted of Human Trafficking

A Philippine court sentenced a former mayor to life in prison for human trafficking charges linked to an illegal online gaming operation that forced hundreds of Chinese and foreign nationals into scam work. The case highlights the Philippines' growing struggle with offshore gaming operations that have become fronts for criminal activity.

The Pasig Regional Trial Court in Manila convicted Alice Guo along with seven other Filipinos and Chinese nationals. Each defendant must pay a fine of 2 million pesos ($34,000) plus compensation to trafficking victims who filed complaints.

Officials say Guo, who they believe holds Chinese citizenship, helped build the illegal gaming complex in northern Philippines. The facility operated as a front for fraud operations, with workers allegedly forced to carry out scams targeting victims abroad.

Guo denied all charges and maintains she is a Filipino citizen. Her case became a major political issue in the Philippines, raising questions about how foreign nationals can gain positions in local government.

The Philippines has been home to hundreds of offshore gaming operators, known locally as POGOs, which primarily serve Chinese customers. While the industry brought tax revenue, it also attracted criminal elements including money laundering, kidnapping, and human trafficking networks.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced plans to phase out these operations by the end of 2024, citing their association with criminal activities. The crackdown reflects growing concerns about how these gaming hubs have become magnets for organized crime rather than legitimate business investments.

For law enforcement agencies across Asia, cases like Guo's show how online gaming operations can serve as covers for much larger criminal enterprises. The conviction sends a signal that Philippine courts are taking a harder line against officials who enable these illegal networks.