New witnesses summoned for US$81M cyber heist probe

Senator Teofisto Guingona III invited a number of witnesses to testify before the Senate after Kim Wong shed some light on the investigation and returned a portion of the stolen funds.

The Philippines.- Senator Teofisto Guingona III has summoned new witnesses to the fourth public hearing of the Blue Ribbon Committee probe on the US$81 million stolen from Bangladesh Bank and laundered into the country before ending up in local casinos.

Two junket operators were called: Cheok Wa Chau, who is the authorised representative of Suncity Group Junket and Lai Fong Chang, the authorised representative of Goldmoon Junket, both working at Solaire Resort and Casino Manila, respectively.

Mark Palmares, a messenger from PhilRem Service Corporation, who allegedly delivered part of the stolen money to Kim Wong, one of the holders of bank accounts at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) was also invited as well as PhilRem Service Corporation’s officials.

Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares will appear before the panel to clarify how taxes were paid by junket operators and by remittance companies.

The panel also invited William So Go and other high ranking officials of RCBC, Eastwest Banking Corporation, BDO Unibank Inc., Philippine National Bank and their respective compliance officers as well as casino executive from Solaire, Midas Hotel and Casino, Melco Crown Philippines/City of Dreams Casino, Leisure and Resorts World Corporation.