- Police are tracking approximately P200 million in cryptocurrency transfers related to businessman Anson Que’s kidnapping and murder.
- Two suspects have been arrested and one surrendered, while authorities continue searching for at least two more Chinese individuals believed to be key players in the crime.
- The PNP, working with AMLC, has determined kidnapping for ransom was likely not the primary motive behind the abduction.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is collaborating with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to investigate cryptocurrency transfers worth approximately P200 million connected to the kidnapping and murder of businessman Anson Que, according to authorities. Police are still pursuing at least two Chinese nationals believed to have played significant roles in the abduction that occurred on March 29.
Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, revealed that the bodies of Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo were discovered in Rizal on April 9, leading investigators to believe the perpetrators’ intention was murder rather than kidnapping for ransom.
“The initial demand is $20 million but the involved here is more or less P200 million in cryptocurrency sent in multiple tranches,” Fajardo explained. “This is now the challenge. We need other relevant government agencies including the AMLC to follow the money trail and considering that this is cryptocurrency, it’s beyond the reach of the PNP alone.”
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
On April 19, police announced the arrest of two suspects—Richardo Austria David and Raymart Catequista—along with the surrender of David Tan Liao, who allegedly turned himself in after receiving threats from those who ordered him to kidnap Que.
While authorities have established the motive behind the abduction, they are withholding details at the request of Que’s family. Fajardo noted, “We are looking into a very solid lead which reveals that kidnapping for ransom is not the motive but the family requested that we don’t reveal the direction of the investigation.”
The Que family expressed gratitude to President Marcos and PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil for their focus on solving the case. Marbil had formed a special task force headed by Lt. Gen. Alan Edgar Okubo to expedite the investigation.
Commendations and Warnings Against Misinformation
The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) commended the PNP for what they described as “diligent, behind-the-scenes work” that yielded significant results. The organization praised Marbil’s leadership and expressed anticipation for the complete resolution of the case, including the identification and prosecution of all involved parties.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief Marbil has refuted social media reports about kidnappings of other high-profile business personalities. “These reports are completely untrue and have no factual basis,” Marbil stated, warning that spreading false information is a criminal offense with legal consequences. The PNP is actively monitoring and investigating the sources of these misleading narratives.
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