High-roller's dirty tricks

A HIGH-ROLLER gambler accused of “dealing” with $3.6 million in dirty money at the Star casino on the Gold Coast, has been released on $200,000 bail after giving the court a character reference from a senior Korean military officer.

Lawyers for Byongsam Song were in the Supreme Court in Brisbane yesterday, where the court heard that Song told staff at the Broadbeach casino’s hotel on May 2 that the cash was kept in “three cardboard boxes” and he needed bags to take it to the casino cashier.

Summarising the prosecution’s case, Justice John Bond told the court that after Song checked in, casino staff went with Song to his room with his friend Wan Choi, where the staff saw “large amounts of cash in clear sealed packaging”.

Song allegedly put the cash into “canvas bags” and took it to the casino cashier’s gaming safe and began gambling with it, Justice Bond said.

Song has been charged with dealing with property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and faces up to three years’ jail.

He surrendered to police last Friday and was refused bail in the Magistrates Court.

Yesterday, Justice Bond released him on bail after Song’s friend Eun Jung put up $200,000 cash as surety. Commonwealth Prosecutor Daniel Whitmore said Song told police that the $3.6 million was given to him by Nicholas Losurdo, and Song told police that he was not liable for any gambling losses.

But Song also told police that he was gambling with money belonging to his rich friends and told casino staff that he had brought the $3.6 million from Korea.

During the hearing, Justice Bond remarked about a character reference from a Korean military officer who is part of the “joint chiefs of staff” filed by Song’s defence team.

Song has surrendered his passport. He must report to Southport police three times a week and must not contact witnesses.

The court was told he would live with friend Wan Choi in Benowa.

He is due in Brisbane Magistrates Court today. VANDA CARSON