Australian Detainee Facing Death Penalty if He Gets Repatriated in Exchange for Alice Guo

September 6, 2024 IndonesiaPhilippines Crime & Legal

Indonesia has deported Alice Guo who faces serious charges in her home country, including involvement in an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub and accusations of being a Chinese spy. Guo was arrested in Jakarta earlier this week and has denied all allegations against her.

Guo’s deportation follows her arrest on the outskirts of Jakarta on Tuesday. She is accused of aiding the establishment of a fraudulent online gaming operation and evading an investigation by the Philippine Senate. Additionally, she is alleged to have faked her Filipino citizenship.

In exchange for Guo, Indonesian authorities are negotiating with the Philippines to secure the return of Australian Gregor Johann Haas. Gregor is the father of Brisbane Broncos NRL star Payne Haas.

Gregor Haas, who was apprehended in the central Philippines in May, is a high-profile fugitive accused of being a member of the Sinaloa cartel, a notorious drug trafficking organization based in Mexico.

Haas is alleged to have attempted to smuggle a shipment of floor tiles containing over 5 kilograms of methamphetamine into Indonesia last December. If repatriated, he could face the death penalty by firing squad under Indonesian law.

Khrisna Murti, Chief of the Indonesian international division of the national police, confirmed to ABC News on September 4, 2024 that “exchange efforts are still being negotiated.”

Indonesian Ambassador to Manila, Agus Widjojo, noted that “the talks have only just started,” indicating that discussions are in the preliminary stages.

A Philippine official, speaking anonymously, revealed concerns from Australia that Haas could face the death penalty if returned to Indonesia. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has acknowledged providing consular assistance to Haas but refrained from providing further details due to privacy reasons.

The spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade emphasized Australia’s position against the death penalty, stating, “Australia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances for all people, and we will continue to advocate for its universal abolition.”