Crown: Judge says watchdog dragging feet

A Federal Court judge in Australia says that the money laundering case against Crown Resorts is taking longer than the discussions resulting in the new layout of Europe following the downfall of Napoleon.

The case, brought by the nation’s financial crimes watchdog, AUSTRAC, alleges that the group’s casino and hotel operations breached anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.

Justice Michael Lee, according to reports, told AUSTRAC’s lawyer that the watchdog had already “had 12 months to talk about admissions” and that there would not be “any more time for there to be chit-chat between solicitors. We’re going to get the matter on.”

AUSTRAC has already granted Crown until May, after a request by the operator to prepare its defence.

The judge called the timeline “astounding,” noting: “If they’re serious about running this case, I do not understand why they’re suggesting it be 15 months before the court starts managing the case,” reports the Financial Review.

AUSTRAC originally filed its case against Crown’s Melbourne and Perth operations in March of 2022.

The case alleges “innumerable” breaches of anti-money laundering laws and “wholly inadequate oversight” in regard to compliance.

Source: Asia Gaming Brief