Tony Yang is the true architect of the Yang Brother's illegal operations and the mastermind of the criminal syndicate in the Philippines, House Deputy Speaker David Suarez said on Friday, September 27.

During the seventh joint public hearing of the House Quad-Committee, they identified Tony Yang, also known as Antonio Maestrado Lim to be the mastermind of their operations. His Chinese name was found to be Yang Jian Xin, and is the eldest brother of Michael Yang (Yang Hong Jiang).

Based on investigations, they found DCLA Plaza Co. Inc. as the first known business established by Michael Yang in 2011. It was built in Davao City and was used as a front to conduct illegal drug activities.

"Ayon sa mga nakita naming sources at documents, ang mga personality na ito, lahat based in Davao. This is significant considering the connections of Michael Yang in Davao City, where he owns a very interesting property," Suarez highlighted.

Suarez pointed out that Sanjia-Steel Corporation was previously linked to illegal rice smuggling. However, when Tony Yang was asked about that in the hearing, he denied being involved in activities like such.

Tony Yang's link with POGOs began when the 20-hectare mixed-use private property, Alwana Business Park, was discovered to have been engaged with several unlawful activities. A few years later, Oroone Inc. was established as a service provider for Xionwei Technologies, a POGO hub owned by Allan Lim.

His venture into POGOs allowed for other personalities to expand and have ties in several areas of the country, including Alice Guo and Cassandra Ong.

In his recent arrest, he was found to be carrying Php1.4 million in cash, including various licences for firearms.