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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.
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