DOJ Secures 7 Money Laundering Convictions from 2021 to 2024

March 8, 2025 – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has successfully secured seven convictions related to money laundering and terrorism financing between 2021 and 2024, a period that coincided with the Philippines’ inclusion on the FATF grey list.

Key Convictions

DOJ Deputy State Prosecutor Deana Perez highlighted major cases, including the conviction of Janet Lim Napoles for money laundering in relation to her plunder case.

• The Manila Regional Trial Court (Branch 24) found Napoles guilty in July 2024, sentencing her to 7 to 14 years in prison and fining her ₱16 million.
• Other convictions included individuals tied to the Bangladesh Bank heist and drug-related money laundering operations.

More Cases Expected

• The DOJ is handling around 180 money laundering cases, with more convictions expected.
• The goal is to prevent the Philippines from returning to the FATF grey list in future evaluations.

PH Officially Removed from FATF Grey List

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) officially removed the Philippines from the grey list in February 2025.
• DOJ officials credited this achievement partly to the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which were linked to illicit financial activities.
• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 33 (July 2023) provided a roadmap to meet FATF requirements.