CROWN HIT BY MISCONDUCT CLAIMS
Allegations include slot machine tampering and avoiding moneylaundering scrutiny
AUSTRALIAN gambling powerhouse Crown is facing a raft of explosive allegations, including slot machine tampering and avoiding money-laundering scrutiny after whistleblower accounts were tabled in parliament yesterday.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie submitted video evidence in Canberra from three former employees accusing Crown of rigging machines at its flagship Melbourne casino to work in its favour, including modifying buttons that allowed them to illegally auto-play.
The anonymous whistleblowers also claimed staff were encouraged to use different identity cards for transactions of more than A$10,000 (RM3.16 million) to avoid the scrutiny of Australia’s money-laundering watchdog.
“If these allegations are true, then Crown would be facilitating money-laundering for any number of nefarious reasons, like tax fraud, drug-running and even terrorism,” said Wilkie under parliamentary privilege that grants MPs legal immunity.
Crown Resorts, which is controlled by billionaire James Packer, denied any wrongdoing.
“Crown rejects the allegations made today under parliamentary privilege by Mr Andrew Wilkie MP concerning the improper manipulation of poker machines and other illegal or improper conduct at Crown Casino in Melbourne,” it said in a statement.
“Crown calls on Mr Wilkie to immediately provide to the relevant authorities all information relating to the matters alleged.”
The whistleblower assertions extended to the Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR), the state gaming regulator, who the former employees alleged knowingly turned a blind eye to machine tampering.
The VCGLR, who is currently conducting its periodic five-year review of the casino’s licence, said it was looking into the allegations. AFP