The defendants include Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) dismissed branch manager Maia Santos Deguito, money changer Philrem Service Corp., and others.
The case, under Index No. 652051/2020, seeks the return of approximately $81 million still unaccounted for.
The notice, published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 pursuant to court orders dated July 22 and July 18, 2023, addresses parties allegedly involved in the money laundering of stolen funds.
Bangladesh Bank has accused the defendants of participating in the theft and transferring stolen money into casino accounts in the Philippines. The motion highlights a lack of response from certain defendants, including Philrem, Deguito, and Angela Ruth Torres.
The hearing for the motion is set for Dec. 16, 2024, at the New York County Courthouse.
Bangladesh Bank has requested the court to issue a default judgment, citing the defendants’ failure to respond. If granted, the judgment would secure repayment of funds plus interest, legal costs, and damages.
The cyber heist in 2016 was one of the largest in history, where hackers infiltrated Bangladesh Bank’s systems and initiated fraudulent transfers. The funds were allegedly funneled through RCBC in the Philippines and moved into casino accounts, making them difficult to trace.
Legal representatives for Bangladesh Bank, Cozen O’Connor, stated that the motion is supported by evidence from previous proceedings. The court has ordered service of the motion notice through publication to comply with procedural rules.
