Crown Resorts on the defensive after money laundering claims
As damaging allegations swirl around Crown Resorts, the Australia based casino operator is defending its record.
A joint investigation by Nine News and Fairfax have uncovered alleged money laundering on a big scale, links with organised crime in Asia, and poker machine tampering.
It also suggested collusion with government officials for the fast tracking of visas for Chinese high rollers.
"Crown has a comprehensive anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing program which is subject to regulatory supervision," the company said in a statement.
"Crown works closely with all of its regulatory agencies, including law enforcement, both state and federal. In this respect, Crown provides a range of information in a proactive manner consistent with its regulatory obligations."
The claims also forced the federal government on the defensive.
A Home Affairs spokesperson said there was ‘no evidence’ of any preferential treatment for Crown over issuing visas.
Crucially, neither Crown or government officials have categorically denied the allegations yet.
It was claimed in Nine’s 60 Minutes programme that a criminal was able to come to Australia in a private jet and leave without being apprehended even though he was on an Interpol wanted list.
It also claimed large amounts of money were laundered by a crime syndicate through its Melbourne gaming resort.
"It is a very serious topic and deals with the integrity not only of our gaming industry but issues that go to law enforcement and border protection," said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
"Our government takes allegations of illegal activity very seriously."
A number of lawmakers have called for high level state and federal parliamentary investigations.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025
U.S.A. and Israel attacks on Iran impact air movements in the Gulf (Update 1.00pm CET)