Crown still exposed to money laundering
Gus McCubbing, 26 May 2021
Crown faced pushback after cutting by half the length of a historical review into the presence of money laundering in its bank accounts, a royal commission has heard.
Provisional results from the review show indications of money laundering as recently as February, an inquiry into whether Crown remains suitable to keep its licence for its Melbourne operations was told on Wednesday.
Crown in February engaged consultancy firm Deloitte to conduct the “deep dive” into its accounts following the NSW inquiry led by former Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin.
The Bergin inquiry found Crown facilitated money laundering, partnered with junket operators with links to organised crime groups even after being made aware of these connections, and exposed staff to the risk of detention in China.
It also found the James Packer-backed group unsuitable to run its newly built casino in Sydney’s Barangaroo.
Deloitte partner Lisa Dobbin said her firm’s review, currently underway, would be submitted to the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority in the context of the Bergin inquiry.
