Authorities at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport intercepted nearly ₱500 million in cash on Friday night. They questioned nine foreigners and two Filipinos because they were carrying seven heavy bags, each weighing 70 kilos and full of money.
These people claimed that the money was casino winnings, but authorities doubt that it came from illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator). According to the source, POGO operators have been struggling to hide their profits since casinos stopped Over the Counter (OTC) services.
The casinos took this step after the PNP and AMLC discovered that the ₱200 million paid by the family of businessman Anson Que to the kidnappers went through two casino junket operators. To date, the money has not been recovered.
Money from illegal activities is often first brought into casinos to "mix" with clean money. The individuals were on their way to Manila when they were caught at the airport. On Saturday, Comelec implemented a 3-day ban on carrying cash over ₱500,000.
