In the kidnapping and murder case of Filipino-Chinese steel tycoon Mr. Guo, three suspects have been arrested. The Philippine National Police (PNP) stated that the focus is now on capturing the two main fugitives, both of whom are Chinese nationals.
PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo mentioned in a briefing on the 19th that significant progress has been made in the investigation, and the motive behind the crime has been identified. However, at the request of Mr. Guo's family, the police will not disclose the details to the public at this time.
"We have very clear clues, but Mr. Guo's family does not wish to disclose the motive until the case is thoroughly investigated," emphasized Fajardo.
The two main Chinese suspects are still at large, one of whom is a key contact
According to Fajardo, the two fugitive Chinese nationals are identified as the masterminds of the case, not just accomplices. The police confirmed that one of them is the Chinese woman who met with Mr. Guo before the incident.
The police are focusing their efforts on using technical means and informant intelligence to narrow down the search area and pinpoint the whereabouts of these two individuals.
Financial clues provide a breakthrough in the investigation, the whereabouts of 200 million pesos in cryptocurrency is key
The case involves a large ransom. Fajardo revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded 20 million US dollars, which after several changes, ended up being paid by the victim's side in about 200 million pesos of cryptocurrency ransom.
The Philippine police have now collaborated with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to track the flow of funds to identify other individuals involved in the case.
"The ransom was transferred in multiple transactions of cryptocurrency, making the tracking process complex, and beyond the capability of PNP alone," said Fajardo. "We will rely on the AMLC and other law enforcement agencies to complete this tracking task, as the flow of funds could be key to solving the case."
The arrested suspects include a Chinese national who claimed to have been "coerced into participating"
On April 19th, the PNP announced the arrest of three suspects: Filipinos Richardo Austria David and Raymart Catequista, and Chinese national David Tan Liao. The police revealed that Liao turned himself in.
Liao claimed that he was not the mastermind but was threatened and manipulated by other main suspects, forcing him to assist in the kidnapping plan. The police are still cross-verifying his statements.
