This week, it was revealed that SkyCity Casino in Auckland is embroiled in a money laundering scandal with international crime syndicates. While the general public is shocked that the local gambling venue is involved in this type of criminal activity, The Greens have state that it comes as no surprise.
After the scandal was revealed, The Greens issued a statement. According to spokesperson Denise Roche, the casino’s lacklustre stance against money laundering is to blame for the scandal. Like most casinos, SkyCity Auckland has a policy against money laundering and similar crimes; however, The Greens have accused the casino of failing to actually take action against criminals who commit money laundering.
“It’s not surprising that another money laundering ring has been exposed at SkyCity Casino," says Ms Roche. "It is the latest in a growing body of evidence that SkyCity profits from the proceeds of crime. When money is laundered through their casino, SkyCity profits from the business and they should have to give it back”.
The Greens put partial blame on the local government, as it has provided the casino with a number of generous concessions as part of the SkyCity convention centre deal. Ticket technology and increased bet limits will certainly contribute to an increase in money laundering crimes at SkyCity Auckland.
The Department of Internal Affairs brought up the fact that these changes could open the doors for more money laundering, but the deal was allowed to pass. Over the course of the past few years, The Greens have attempted to pass legislations that would put crime-fighting measures into place at New Zealand casinos. Both times these bills were presented, the National Government voted against them.
As such, The Greens are convinced that the federal government is to blame for SkyCity’s money laundering scandals.
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