Casio flags POGO-related inshore financial crimes, scams

Dr. Winston John R. Casio of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) raised concerns over the rising threat of inshore financial crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) during a seminar held at the AEC Little Theater, March 29.  The forum is part of the Student Academic Development Program of the College of Criminal Justice and Criminology of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, a yearly activity for the continued development of students’ competence.  

In his lecture, Dr. Casio highlighted the case of a 36-hectare property in Bamban, Tarlac, which is under investigation for its ties to dismissed Mayor Alice Guo. The property has become a focal point in the ongoing probe into unregistered POGO hubs, shell companies, and illicit call centers. Dr. Casio revealed that the compound, while appearing legitimate, was allegedly used as a front for sophisticated financial crime operations.

“This goes beyond mere negligence—this is a collusion,” Dr. Casio stated, emphasizing “the significant involvement of public officials in these criminal enterprises.” Guo, who was previously embroiled in controversies surrounding her government dealings, is now at the center of investigations into how POGO operations have been linked to local government structures.

The PAOCC official further shed light on how criminal syndicates use financial technology to facilitate their illegal activities. "They employ legitimate financial instruments like bank accounts, cryptocurrency, ecdecEDand fake identities to move illicit funds without detection," Dr. Casio explained, stressing the need for stronger technological measures to combat these complex financial networks.

The seminar was organized to educate future law enforcement professionals, urging students to recognize financial crimes as a critical national security issue. Dr. Casio stressed the importance of equipping law students with the tools necessary for tackling emerging criminal activities and fostering a sense of responsibility in their future roles as public servants.

During the open forum, students actively engaged with Dr. Casio, raising questions about digital forensics, the role of the youth in legislative reforms, and the protection of whistleblowers. In response, Dr. Casio encouraged the Criminology students to participate in policy discussions and to remain vigilant against the evolving landscape of financial crime. 

The seminar concluded with a call for integrity and diligence in the fight against financial crimes and scams, with Dr. Casio urging criminology students to be the next generation of law enforcers committed to safeguarding the nation’s security.