Star heads accused in court over alleged failure to manage illicit cash risk at casinos as major trial begins Executives at troubled gambling firm accused by Asic of putting profit over risk management, court hears.
Asic alleges that former chief executive Matthias Bekier, former company secretary and general counsel Paula Martin and former chief casino officer Greg Hawkins failed to promptly terminate or suspend the firm’s relationship with Suncity or inform the board of the risks.
Former executives at embattled casino operator The Star put profit above risk when they failed to take action as junket operators potentially linked to crime gangs flaunted wads of cash and money in eskies, a judge has heard.
In Suncity’s dedicated space at The Star Sydney, known as Salon 95, bags of $50 notes were tied together with elastic bands, money was delivered to the service desk in blue esky bags and junket staff obscured the view of CCTV cameras by hiding under blankets, she said.
Former board members John O’Neill, Wallace Sheppard, Kathleen Lahey, Gerard Bradley, Sally Pitkin, Benjamin Heap and Zlatko Todorcevski are accused by Asic of failing to properly oversee The Star’s relationships with junket operators.
