Alice Guo was a Philippine success story, a homeschooled farmhand who rose to become a millionaire business leader. But when Guo ran for mayor of the small town of Bamban in 2022, eyebrows were raised. Sure, she was rich: but how did Guo own a helicopter, $200,000 jewelry and a McLaren sports car?

Perhaps she really was an industrial savant. Or perhaps there was something a little more sinister going on, perhaps something to do with the giant offshore gambling complex located a stone’s throw from her mayoral office? Raids and a spell on the run followed. Now Guo faces trial for crimes related to one of the most lucrative criminal markets on the planet. But there’s another question, with impacts far beyond Bamban, the Philippines or even Asia.

For Merch: https://underworldpodcast.myshopify.com/

Prizepicks: Use Code UNDERWORLD for $50 free after a $5 bet: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/UNDERWORLD

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Human Trafficking Illegal Casino Kingpin Who May Have Been a Chinese Spy