Jeane Catherine Napoles (Image from DZRH News)

Jeane Catherine, the daughter of pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles, had fled the country, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said yesterday.

Jeane and other relatives of the detained businesswoman were indicted for laundering $20 million to the United States.

The US Department of Justice said Napoles, her children Jo Christine, James Christopher and Jeane, brother Reynald Lim and his wife Ana, were charged with money laundering and conspiracy.

Those facing charges in the US, aside from Jeane, are still in the country, Guevarra added.

Guevarra said Bureau of Immigration (BI) records show Jeane left the country last 27 July. He said the BI has yet to provide details of Jeane’s travel records.

“Based on the info provided by BI, it would seem that they are here in the Philippines,” he said.

American prosecutors said the money moved to the US was used in buying assets, including several properties and luxury vehicles.

Napoles, Jo Christine and James Christopher are facing multiple charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the pork barrel scam. Napoles is currently detained at the Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

The Court of Tax Appeals has dismissed Jeane Catherine’s P17-million tax evasion case.

“Pursuant to the recent decision of the Supreme Court, the DoJ (Department of Justice) has no statutory power to restrain the travel of persons of interest, especially if they are not facing any investigation here,” Guevarra said.

“Considering that an indictment has already been made in US courts, the US government has ways of tracking down the defendants anywhere, including tapping the assistance of the Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization),” Guevarra added.

He said the government will assist in facilitating the extradition of Napoles and her family members should the US justice department request it.

Guevarra added the government will ensure the security of Priority Development Assistance Fund whistle-blower Benhur Luy in the event the US government asks him to testify on the money laundering case against the Napoleses.