AUSTRAC is seeking a civil penalty of AU$400 million against Star Entertainment in Australia, its representative said at a Wednesday hearing. The amount relates to alleged failures to prevent money laundering at the casino operator’s venues; the court has not imposed the penalty.
The proposed penalty could materially affect Star Entertainment’s financial position and its Australian casino operations.
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New South Wales’ Independent Casino Commission has extended the suspension of Star Entertainment’s Star Sydney casino licence until June 2027, citing continuing concerns about governance, leadership and remediation. The casino can continue operating under the suspension, while regulator-appointed manager Nick Weeks remains responsible for the venue until 30 June 2027.
Reportedly, Star Entertainment’s Sydney casino licence suspension will continue until 2027. The casino lost its independent operating rights in October 2022.
Reportedly, Paula Martin, formerly The Star's legal chief, has challenged Federal Court findings and penalties. The case concerns risks linked to Suncity and China UnionPay.
Australia’s Federal Court ordered former Star Entertainment executives Mathias Bekier and Paula Martin to pay penalties and barred them from managing corporations. Bekier was ordered to pay A$700,000 and was disqualified for six years; Martin was ordered to pay $400,000 and was disqualified for seven years. The court also ordered both to pay 45% of ASIC’s proceeding costs.
ASIC asked the Federal Court to impose an A$1.3 million fine and an eight-year director ban on former Star Entertainment chief executive Matt Bekier. Bekier’s lawyers argued for an 18-month ban, while the court had already found in March that he breached his duties; the penalty decision remains pending, according to the report.