Philippine casinos face AMLC probe amid money laundering scandal

Casinos will be investigated alongside former DPWH officials.

The Philippines.- The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has launched an investigation into several Philippine casinos following allegations of their involvement in a major money laundering scheme. Executive director Matthew David confirmed the body will scrutinise the casinos for potential violations of anti-money laundering regulations. The AMLC plans to request a Court of Appeals freeze order.

Classified as “covered persons,” casinos must report transactions of PHP5m (US$87,000) or more and verify customer identities. David said penalties could be imposed for non-compliance.

The claims involve a group of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, dubbed the “Bulacan Group of Contractors” or “BGC Boys,” accused of laundering over PHP1bn (US$18.3m) through 13 casinos in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Pampanga between 2023 and 2025. Including Brice Ericson Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Henry Alcantara, Arjay Domasig, and contractor Edrick San Diego, they allegedly used fake identities to convert illicit funds into casino chips, engaged in minimal or no play, and cashed out the chips as supposed gambling winnings.

The scheme is allegedly linked to fraudulent flood control projects in Bulacan, where funds were allegedly misappropriated through rigged bidding, falsified reports, and substandard or non-existent projects. The group reportedly incurred PHP950m (US$17.4m) in casino losses, raising suspicions of deliberate laundering.

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Casinos will be investigated alongside former DPWH officials. The Philippines.- The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has launched an investigation into several Philippine casinos following allegations of their involvement in a…