The Regional Trial Court Branch 56, Angeles City has convicted Xinli Chen, an operator of a drug laboratory, on 35 counts of money laundering under Section 4 [a] of Republic Act No. 9160, or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (AMLA), as amended.

     Chen was sentenced to seven to 14 years of imprisonment for each count and fined PHP3 million per offense. 

   Chen was arrested on 7 September 2016, during a raid on a drug laboratory hidden within a piggery in Magalang, Pampanga. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Pampanga Provincial Police Office conducted the joint operation. A subsequent financial investigation by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) uncovered Chen’s money laundering activities, including the use of multiple bank accounts to conceal illicit proceeds from drug operations.

     The conviction is a significant achievement in the government’s ongoing battle against money laundering linked to illegal drug activities. 

   “This conviction demonstrates the effectiveness of our legal framework in tackling the complex and insidious nature of money laundering, particularly when tied to illegal drug operations,” said AMLC Executive Director, Atty. Matthew M. David. 

   “The AMLC remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our financial system. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who engage in laundering the proceeds of crime will face the full force of the law,” he added. 

    The conviction emphasizes the Philippines’ whole-of-government approach and dedication to combat money laundering and related unlawful activities. 

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For further information, contact:

Tel. No. 53062833 

Posted: 21 August 2024

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