A 47-year-old Filipina woman has been remanded in custody after appearing in Fanling Court on Wednesday (April 30), facing three counts of money laundering involving over HK$3.66 million.
Vermadel Canonero is accused of “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence,” a violation under sections 2(1) and 25(3) of Hong Kong’s Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance. Magistrate Kenneth Chan ordered her continued detention and adjourned the case to June 25.
Court documents revealed that the charges stem from financial transactions across three different bank accounts. The first involves HK$345,000 in deposits and withdrawals in her Bank of China account between June 7 and July 4, 2023.
The second relates to HK$261,627.61 moved through her China CITIC Bank account from March 28 to November 13, 2023. The third and largest amount — HK$3,053,671.25 — was channelled through her MOX Bank account between March 12 and July 13 last year.
In a separate but related hearing in the same court, another Filipina, Ma. Gretel Mago, 48, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of money laundering. She is accused of handling HK$1,125,601.96 in alleged criminal proceeds via her Hang Seng Bank account over a 25-day period from July 2 to July 27, 2023. Magistrate Chan scheduled her trial for June 2.
Under Hong Kong law, money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment and a fine of up to HK$5 million.
The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong has repeatedly reminded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to be cautious when dealing with personal finances, especially when asked by others to open or use bank accounts on their behalf. These kinds of transactions may seem harmless but can lead to serious legal consequences if the money involved turns out to be linked to criminal activities.
Filipinos are urged never to lend their ATM cards or bank details to acquaintances, employers, or online contacts. Scammers often lure victims with promises of easy money, sometimes offering payment in exchange for using their accounts.
Even if a person claims they were unaware of the source of the funds, ignorance is not considered a valid defence under Hong Kong’s strict money laundering laws.
Community leaders are also encouraging Filipinos to report suspicious requests or offers to authorities or the Consulate for proper guidance. Legal assistance and support services are available for OFWs who find themselves in complex financial or legal situations.
Being vigilant and informed is the first step in protecting oneself from becoming an unwitting accomplice to financial crime.