Philippine authorities are sending mixed signals regarding fugitive gaming operator Jack Lam’s ability to return to the country.

Lam fled the Philippines on November 29 after Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II accused him of attempting to bribe himself and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) boss Andrea Domingo to obtain preferential treatment of Lam’s gaming operations. Lam has denied the bribery allegations.

On Thursday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Lam could resume operation of his Fontana Casino in the Clark Freeport and the Ford Ilocandia casino in Laoag City if he paid all his outstanding tax obligations and accepted a new gaming contract that aligned his tax obligations with other Philippine casino operators.

On Friday, Aguirre said Lam had been blacklisted due to his online gambling operation at the Fontana lacking the necessary permits, contrary to claims made last week by Lam’s attorney Raymond Fortun. Aguirre said Philippine authorities were preparing to issue criminal charges against Lam and that Lam would be arrested if he attempted to return to the Philippines.