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Fentiman yields to pressure and announces inquiry into Star casinos

After months of allegations of money laundering and criminal activities in NSW, the Palaszczuk Government has relented and agreed to hold an inquiry into the operations of Star’s casinos in Brisbane and the Gold Coast and whether it should keep its licence.

Jun 14, 2022, updated Jun 14, 2022
Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman.   (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

Attorney General Shannon Fentiman said the Palaszczuk Government took the allegations of money laundering and integrity issues very seriously. 

“Investigations by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation into The Star are ongoing, and they are continuing to work with the Queensland Police and AUSTRAC,” she said.

“There will also be an independent expert review into the suitability of The Star to keep its casino licence.

“The terms of reference will be released, following consideration by Cabinet.”

The Attorney General did not say whether the inquiry would be public or who would conduct it.

Star, the company behind the $3.6 billion Queens Wharf project, has already agreed to appear before an upcoming parliamentary committee inquiry into amendments to the legislation governing its casinos. Those amendments include a $50 million fine for serious breaches of integrity rules.

The allegations raised in Sydney are related mostly to the interaction with high rollers and junket operators and how Star allegedly manipulated the system.

The inquiry was told a junket operator known for organised crime links Suncity ran an illegal betting cage at the Sydney casino.

There were also allegations raised about how Star misused Chinese debit cards in transactions worth about $900 million. The cards were used to withdraw cash to be used for gambling but would be claimed to be used for hotel accommodation.

Casino staff were also alleged to have lied to banks about the use of the cards.

Star has also been called to give evidence at an inquiry into proposed gambling and money laundering laws in Queensland.

A parliamentary committee is probing laws proposed after probes into Crown and Star in multiple states.

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The changes would allow more cashless gambling, and impose penalties of up $50 million for legal breaches.

Legal Affairs and Safety Committee chair Peter Russo said the bill was intended to stamp out money laundering and other “unsavoury” practices at casinos.

However, he admitted the proposed Queensland laws won’t stop laundering when operators themselves were involved.

-with AAP

 

 

 

 

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