Philippine Interior Chief Says Atong Ang May Have Moved $3 Billion Into Crypto

Philippine Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said fugitive gambling businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang may have moved $3 billion into cryptocurrency, potentially giving him funds to draw on while evading arrest.

Remulla said Ang left the Philippines through an unofficial route rather than a formal port. Remulla said Ang was in Southeast Asia. The Philippine National Police and regional intelligence partners are pursuing him.

Remulla described the cryptocurrency conversion as a possibility. He suggested that access to that amount of money could help Ang pay people while he remains at large, but did not accuse anyone in Cambodia of accepting a payment.

Courts in Laguna and Batangas issued warrants for Ang’s arrest on kidnapping, serious illegal detention and homicide charges. The case involves at least 34 cockfighting participants who disappeared in 2021 and 2022. Ang has denied involvement.