The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed deep connections between POGO and drug trafficking groups during a hearing.
Deputy Director Renato Gumaban of the PDEA submitted a matrix to the committee showing how transnational groups engage in drug trafficking, money laundering, and suspicious land purchases by foreigners in the Philippines.
The investigation began with a joint operation on September 24, 2023, when 560 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, valued at 3.6 billion pesos, were seized in Bataan Province.
The illegal drugs were found in a warehouse owned by Willie Ong (also known as Cai Qimeng), who is also the legal representative of Empire 999 Real Estate, a major company involved in illegal activities.
It also includes Golden Sun 999 Realty Inc. and a development company located in the Yatai Industrial Park, both linked to Ong and Aedy Yang.
Golden Sun 999 is associated with Rose Nono Lin, who was involved in the controversial Pharmally Pharmaceutical company.
In the introduction by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, a direct link between online gaming companies and criminal groups was established.
It identified the POGO operator Hongsheng Gaming Technology in Bamban, Tarlac as a major participant.
The company's funds amount to billions of dollars, including contributions from Yang Weixiong's brother, Yang Hongjiang.
Hongsheng Gaming Company leased the facility from Baofu Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., owned by Guo Aili.
Congressman Gerville Luistro expressed that the disclosures were disturbing.
