The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is pursuing legal action against eleven past and present board members and high-ranking officials from Star Entertainment Group, seeking substantial financial penalties.
The core of the matter? ASIC alleges these individuals, including former chairman John O’Neill and current chairman Ben Heap (who intends to contest the allegations!), permitted Star to engage with dubious figures linked to illicit enterprises. They are accused of disregarding warnings of money laundering, particularly in their dealings with a prominent Asian gambling tour operator known as Suncity Group.
ASIC contends that Star was aware of Suncity’s purported criminal connections but maintained the association regardless. They are also criticizing the board for failing to take appropriate measures when alerted to potential money laundering activities. These events transpired between 2017 and 2019, and other notable figures implicated include former managing director and CEO Matthias Bekier, former company secretary and group general counsel Paula Martin, and former chief casino officer Greg Hawkins.
Star Entertainment Group released a public response to the legal action initiated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). The company confirmed the civil suit filed in Federal Court against a group of current and former directors, in addition to one past executive.
The legal claim revolves around alleged breaches of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), particularly section 180(1), connected to issues previously examined in New South Wales and Queensland. These inquiries, overseen by Adam Bell SC and Robert Gotterson AO KC respectively, have already placed Star Entertainment under intense scrutiny.
Although current board members Ben Heap and Katie Lahey are included in the lawsuit, the company highlights their dedication to the board restructuring process revealed earlier this year. They intend to vacate their positions once new directors are selected and a seamless handover is guaranteed.
This legal proceeding comes on the heels of a substantial $100 million AUD (roughly $67.6 million USD) fine levied against Star Entertainment by the Queensland government just last week. This penalty was imposed due to “grave shortcomings” discovered within their casino operations.