Austrac Accuses Australian Casinos of Money-Laundering

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac), a state-run financial intelligence organization, has leveled allegations against many of the major land-based casinos in the country.

Crown Resorts, Star Entertainment and SkyCity Entertainment Group are among those who have received notices. Austrac has also reportedly contacted National Bank of Australia (NAB) regarding the matter.

Austrac is taked with monitoring financial transactions in and identifying money laundering, organised crime, tax evasion, welfare fraud and terrorism financing.

According to Crown Resorts, Austrac sent a notice mainly regarding potential non-compliance with Australia’s money-laundering rules in connection with the operations of Crown Perth, a casino in Perth.

Star Entertainment revealed that the notice it received was about its Star Sydney property, for the same money-laundering non-complaince.

The company issued a statement, which asserted:

“The Star takes its anti-money laundering obligations very seriously and will fully co-operate with Austrac in relation to its requests for information and documents and the investigation.”