MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has raised fresh concerns over the growing intersection of crime, politics, and digital finance after revealing that former congressman Zaldy Co allegedly fled the country carrying an estimated $100 million—around ₱5.85 billion—in cryptocurrency. According to Remulla, Co has reportedly been relying on these digital assets abroad after his credit cards were frozen, highlighting how modern financial tools can be used to evade traditional controls.

Remulla did not mince words in describing Co, branding him a “seasoned criminal” who allegedly planned not only his escape but also the movement of his money with precision. The DILG chief claimed that Co knew every possible “escape route”—from financial channels to physical exits—suggesting a level of sophistication that goes beyond ordinary wrongdoing. More than a former lawmaker or businessman, Remulla said, Co represents a deeper problem of criminal expertise embedded within positions of power.

The Philippine government, Remulla added, is now coordinating with Swedish authorities after reports surfaced that Co was spotted in Stockholm earlier this month. Authorities are also seeking to have the alleged foreign passport he used flagged, an effort to limit his movement across Europe. These developments underscore how international cooperation has become essential in pursuing suspects in an age when borders are increasingly porous to both people and money.

Beyond the individual case, this issue invites a broader conversation. Cryptocurrency, while often praised for innovation and financial inclusion, also presents challenges for law enforcement, especially when allegedly used to bypass sanctions, freezes, and oversight. The Co case raises uncomfortable questions about preparedness: Are governments equipped to track digital wealth tied to alleged criminal activity? And how many similar cases go unnoticed? As the investigation unfolds, the public is left to reflect on a critical issue—in a world where money can cross borders in seconds, can accountability still keep pace? (Larawan mula sa: Jonvic Remulla / Facebook; Zaldy Co / Wikipedia)