Australia investigates casinos’ links with crime

Organised crime continues to worry the authorities and Australia revealed an investigation into casinos and their links with the segment.

Australia.- Organised crime links with the gambling industry are a major concern for governments worldwide. That’s why Australia has been looking into the casino industry’s links with it and revealed a major investigation.

The chief of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Michael Phelan, told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald about the investigations. He said that investigators and federal police and intelligence agencies have uncovered damning “insights into vulnerabilities ... within Australian casinos.”

The Targeting Criminal Wealth special investigation looks into the operation of junkets who are responsible for bringing high roller clients into casinos. Mr Phelan didn’t reveal which operators are under investigation, but Crown recently highlighted its own measures. They said they have “a comprehensive anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing program” and a “robust process” for vetting junket operators.

“Much was sought to be made … of the conduct of ‘Crown’s junket operators’. In fact, the junkets are not Crown’s,” Crown stated.  “They are independent operators who arrange for their customers to visit many casinos globally. Crown deals with junkets and their customers in essentially the same way as other international casinos.”