In the gambling industry, money laundering is often a concern for local authorities. Using pokies and other casino games to ‘cleanse’ illegal funds is a common crime, and the authorities have taken several steps to prevent it. However, a money laundering scandal has recently been uncovered at several pokie venues owned by Bruce Mathieson.
This week, federal and state authorities have launched an investigation into six pokie clubs across the country. It is suspected that these venues permitted Vietnamese gamblers to launder alleged drug money through their poker machines. "ALH can confirm that it instigated an internal investigation at a small number of its pubs as a result of its transaction-monitoring program," says ALH spokesperson David Curry.
“As a result of that investigation, several staff were terminated and a number of customers were barred. ALH informed the federal and state regulators of the actions that took place”. Currently, Austrac and the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation are in the process of examining cheque buying which took place on a large scale at several ALH Group venues.
This practice allows criminals to sell their winning ticket to another player, providing them with the opportunity to launder money. One of the most serious cases was discovered last year. Over the course of five months, Westend Market Hotel (owned by ALH Group) wrote more than 300 cheques worth a total of over $600 000 to a Vietnamese family. Many other similar cases have taken place at ALH Group venues in recent year.
Several employees have been laid off for the roles they played in cheque-buying schemes. They permitted the practice to continue, claiming that their managers told them to turn a blind eye. Many were tipped by criminals but they deny accepting any bribes.
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