The recent investigation into Australia’s marquee casino, Crown Resort, revealed just how less-stringent the laws are in Oz compared to anywhere else. The Crown Resort inquiry delved into the alleged money laundering that took place at the casino. The investigation is likely to render a verdict of whether the casino remains suitable to hold a casino license in New South Wales.
Details emerged that the casino operator processed a wire transfer to a player understood to be a known drug trafficker. Over the weekend, it made the news that the vice president at Crown, VP Veng Anh, instructed an employee to authorize a wire transfer to the sum of AUD$500,000 back in 2017. The payment amounts to just over US$330,000.
Crown Resorts Alleged Association with Criminal Elements
According to reports in the Sydney Morning Herald, there has been an observed pattern at Crown using junkets financed by Asia’s organized crime syndicates as a ploy to entice Chinese high rollers to the casino. These extravagant packages involve operators that provide services that offer players prostitutes and drugs when they visit their establishment.
The overall sentiment looks bad for the casino. Crown has had its brushes with the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) in the past. Over the course of three years, there have been several reports documenting the dubious dealings at the casino that included letting Indonesian tycoon gamble at the casino despite having ties with arms trader, Charles Tailor for a period from 2004-2015.
Crown Resort Responds to the Allegations
The gaming body responsible for overseeing gambling activities in New Wales held a public hearing in January. There’s been discussions on whether Crown should still be able to hold a license. It is understood that part-owner and founder, James Packer is set to testify in the proceedings despite no longer occupying a role as an executive at Crown. The hearing will last for a period of two weeks.
In response to the allegations, Crown labeled the report as a “deceitful campaign” against the casino. We will keep an eye on this as the story unfolds, so keep it locked to CasinoUS.com.
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